Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) chairperson Gladys Wanga has delivered a bold warning to Parliament, demanding the immediate implementation of key provisions in the Ruto-Raila’s 10-Point Agenda. Speaking in Migori County during a Meet the People tour on Wednesday, February 18, Wanga stressed that compensation for families of those killed or injured in demonstrations is non-negotiable.
She called on lawmakers to allocate funds for victims, saying justice must be served without delay. Her stance comes amid ongoing pre-election maneuvering and stalled compensation mechanisms, putting pressure on government institutions to act.
Wanga’s remarks signal growing frustration within ODM ranks over the slow pace of implementing the agreement signed by President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. The party insists that justice for victims and other critical reforms remain central to Kenya’s political agenda.
Wanga highlighted the need for more than just compensation, emphasizing youth employment, increased devolution funding, and equitable distribution of resources as pillars of the agenda.
Parliament Faces Pressure to Act on Ruto-Raila’s 10-Point Agenda
Speaking to a large crowd in Rongo, Migori County, Wanga said, “It is a must that we maintain our stand on the 10-point agenda, especially the compensation of victims of post-election violence. We are telling MPs in Parliament to allocate money for compensation for those who got injured and those who died during demonstrations so that people should be compensated.”
The Homabay governor’s statement comes months after the high court declared unconstitutional an 18-member panel set up by President Ruto in August 2025 to verify and compensate victims of police brutality and post-election violence. Since its creation, victims have submitted over 6,000 petitions, yet legal disputes have stalled payments. Wanga insisted that the law cannot continue to block justice, urging lawmakers to act swiftly to prevent further frustration and public unrest.
“The suffering of our citizens cannot be ignored. People who lost their lives and those injured deserve immediate redress. Parliament must allocate funds now. This is not negotiable,” Wanga added.
Her insistence puts pressure on both the executive and legislature, highlighting a potential clash over accountability and implementation of the Ruto-Raila’s 10-Point Agenda.
Youth Employment and Devolution Must Be Prioritized
Beyond compensation, Wanga outlined broader demands under the 10-point agenda. She emphasized that youth unemployment remains a critical national issue. According to her, the agenda provides a roadmap for job creation and economic empowerment that the government cannot sideline.
“Our youths have long been without jobs; we must keep money in our pockets as citizens. Devolution money should also be increased. Those are some of the things we are pushing for,” she said.
Wanga’s remarks indicate ODM’s strategy to pressure the government to release more resources to counties. She argued that empowering local governments through increased funding would spur development and create employment opportunities, particularly in rural areas where economic growth has lagged. Her position ties directly into the broader framework of the Ruto-Raila’s 10-Point Agenda, which includes commitments to equitable development and citizen welfare.
ODM Strengthens Its Political Stand Ahead of 2027 Elections
Wanga also reaffirmed ODM’s political roadmap ahead of the 2027 general elections. She declared that the party remains firmly behind Oburu Odinga as its leader and is ready to engage in pre-election coalitions with like-minded parties. However, she warned that ODM would only negotiate with parties committed to inclusivity and equity, rejecting alliances with groups accused of promoting tribalism or hate.
“ODM will only align itself with partners that share our principles. We are ready for coalitions, but it must be equal and just,” Wanga said, signaling her party’s insistence on fairness in power-sharing negotiations.
Her comments underscore the party’s dual approach: pressing for justice and reforms under the Ruto-Raila’s 10-Point Agenda while positioning itself strategically for the 2027 elections. By tying compensation, youth employment, and devolution funding to the party’s political ambitions, Wanga seeks to create a narrative of accountability and reform that resonates with voters.
The Road Ahead for Ruto-Raila’s 10-Point Agenda
As the political temperature rises, Wanga’s demands place Parliament and the executive on notice. The call for immediate compensation, enhanced devolution funding, and job creation represents both a moral and political test for the government. Failure to act could heighten tensions and jeopardize the perceived credibility of the Ruto-Raila’s 10-Point Agenda.
With pre-election negotiations intensifying and legal challenges lingering, Wanga’s hardline stance signals that ODM intends to keep the pressure on. The party’s insistence on justice, equity, and reform is poised to dominate Kenya’s political discourse in the months leading up to 2027, ensuring that the 10-point agenda remains at the center of national debate.
