In a New Year message titled “Onwards and Forward: My Reflections for 2026,” shared on her official Facebook page on Friday, January 2, 2026, Wanga described the past year as one of the most difficult periods in Kenya’s political history.
She said the country and the ODM fraternity were still coming to terms with the loss of Raila, whom she described as a guiding force and moral compass.
“As we usher in the New Year, we thank God for the gift of life and for the strength that carried us through one of the most difficult years in our history,” Wanga wrote.
“As we usher in the New Year, we thank God for the gift of life and for the strength that carried us through one of the most difficult years in our history,” Wanga wrote.
Wanga, who serves as ODM’s National Chairperson, said Raila’s passing marked a defining moment not only for the party but also for the nation at large.
She noted that millions of Kenyans had drawn hope, courage, and political direction from his leadership over decades of activism and public service.
According to the governor, Raila’s absence has left a deep void but also placed a responsibility on party members to safeguard and advance the values he stood for, including sacrifice, principle, and commitment to the people.
As the country enters 2026, Wanga said the moment demands clarity and cohesion within ODM, particularly amid ongoing conversations about the party’s direction in the post-Raila era.
According to the governor, Raila’s absence has left a deep void but also placed a responsibility on party members to safeguard and advance the values he stood for, including sacrifice, principle, and commitment to the people.
As the country enters 2026, Wanga said the moment demands clarity and cohesion within ODM, particularly amid ongoing conversations about the party’s direction in the post-Raila era.
She acknowledged that internal disagreements have emerged in recent weeks but insisted that debate has always been part of the party’s culture.
“Unity is not uniformity,” she noted, adding that robust discussions, when conducted respectfully and allowed to lead to consensus, are a strength rather than a weakness within the party.
Wanga urged ODM members to rally behind the leadership of party leader Oburu Oginga and to support the broad mission he has outlined for the coming year.
“Unity is not uniformity,” she noted, adding that robust discussions, when conducted respectfully and allowed to lead to consensus, are a strength rather than a weakness within the party.
Wanga urged ODM members to rally behind the leadership of party leader Oburu Oginga and to support the broad mission he has outlined for the coming year.
She called on party structures to focus on consolidation and organisation, warning against fear of making difficult decisions or postponing critical conversations.
She further challenged members to resist divisions and personal ambitions that could weaken the party at a time when unity is most needed, especially as the country moves closer to the 2027 General Election.
In her message, Wanga also paid tribute to Raila’s enduring political legacy, saying he may not have left behind instructions for every challenge the party would face after his death, but left something more enduring—his vision, values, and method of struggle.
She said Raila taught his followers when to confront injustice and when to retreat strategically, without losing sight of long-term goals.
She further challenged members to resist divisions and personal ambitions that could weaken the party at a time when unity is most needed, especially as the country moves closer to the 2027 General Election.
In her message, Wanga also paid tribute to Raila’s enduring political legacy, saying he may not have left behind instructions for every challenge the party would face after his death, but left something more enduring—his vision, values, and method of struggle.
She said Raila taught his followers when to confront injustice and when to retreat strategically, without losing sight of long-term goals.
According to Wanga, his leadership encouraged courage, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace new political horizons.
The governor said ODM must now demonstrate maturity by translating Raila’s legacy into action, rather than allowing internal differences to derail the party’s mission.
Her remarks come amid heightened political activity within ODM, with several leaders publicly expressing differing views on the party’s future leadership and direction.
The governor said ODM must now demonstrate maturity by translating Raila’s legacy into action, rather than allowing internal differences to derail the party’s mission.
Her remarks come amid heightened political activity within ODM, with several leaders publicly expressing differing views on the party’s future leadership and direction.
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