The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has renewed its focus on strengthening its presence at the grassroots even as it prepares for political negotiations ahead of the 2027 General Election.

ODM Party national chairperson and the Homa Bay governor Gladys Wanga, said ODM will enter any coalition discussions from a position of strength, insisting on a power-sharing formula that reflects the party’s influence.

“Regarding those positions, we will speak, saying it is 50-50. If they take half, ODM also takes half. If they take the Presidency, the Deputy is ODM. That is how we will talk as we move forward,” Wanga said.

She noted that while leadership positions will be part of the negotiations, the party’s priority remains addressing the concerns of ordinary Kenyans. According to her, ODM intends to push for issue-based talks that go beyond political power.

“When we go into negotiations, we will go knowing that we are a big party. And as we have said, we will talk about positions, yes, but first, we will also talk about the issues of the citizens,” she told residents in Homa Bay.

Wanga added that the party leadership received approval from its delegates to begin the negotiation process during a recent special delegates’ conference.

At the same time, she ruled out the possibility of working with leaders she accused of promoting division, particularly along tribal lines.

“People who divide Kenyans, those who divide Kenyans on tribal grounds, people of insults, people who do not understand themselves are people we cannot talk to,” she said in reference to elements within the opposition.

Speaking in Muhoroni Sub-County on Sunday, Wanga also dismissed claims of internal wrangles within ODM, maintaining that the party remains united despite dissent from a few members.

Her remarks come at a time when political parties are beginning to position themselves and explore alliances in the run-up to the 2027 polls.