WANGA: Onwards and forward - My reflections for 2026

As we usher in the New Year, we thank God for the gift of life, for His guidance, and for the strength that carried us through one of the most difficult years in our history.

2025 was the year we lost ‘Baba’ Raila Amollo Odinga. His passing marked a defining moment for our country and left a deep sense of loss among millions who drew hope, courage, and direction from his leadership. He was our moral compass and our North Star—the source from which our values, direction, and courage flowed. His absence has left a profound void, but also a solemn responsibility to carry forward a legacy built on sacrifice, principle, and unwavering commitment to the people.

As we begin 2026, we extend wishes for blessings and better times to all Kenyans. At the same time, we recommit ourselves to the ideals Baba taught us to hold dear: the pursuit of justice, social and economic welfare, and improved service delivery for all. We promise to listen more to the voices of our women, young people and minorities and to support them in confronting the systemic barriers that continue to deny them opportunity and dignity.

To the great people of Homa Bay, I remain immensely grateful for the opportunity to serve you. This year, we rededicate ourselves to the priorities we identified at the start of our administration and build on the immense progress we have made in the last 3 years. We will double our efforts on delivering quality healthcare, water, roads and education as well as supporting our farmers and traders. No part of Homa Bay will be left behind from Kiwa Island to Kona Kajabedo in Chabera as we continue to hold up Homa Bay as the County of Endless Potential.

Within the ODM family, this is a moment that calls for unity, clarity, and focus. Our party leader, Dr Oburu Oginga, has clearly outlined our broad mission, and it is now our collective responsibility to rally behind it and make 2026 a year of consolidation and organisation. Unity is not Uniformity. In recent days, we have witnessed robust debate and differences of opinion about the direction of the party in the post-Baba era. Such debate, when guided by respect and when it gives way to consensus, is a proud and long-standing tradition of ODM.

Our party’s resilient and tested institutions give us the capacity to harmonise differing views and turn them into strengths. By recognising that progress is only possible together, and by committing to leave no one behind, we can make this the year we consolidate the vision Baba held for this country, the people he painstakingly stitched together, and the party that carries the hopes of millions of Kenyans.

Baba could not have left instructions for every challenge we would face after his exit. What he left us with was more enduring—his vision, his values, and his method of struggle. He taught us when to fight and when to retreat without losing sight of what truly matters. He taught us never to fear new horizons or difficult decisions.

This is the moment for the party to rise, to overcome the fear of the unknown, and to resist the temptation to postpone hard choices. This is the time to demonstrate that we truly learned at his feet and that we are ready to lead with courage, discipline, and unity.

Onward and forward, dear party members. May God grant us wisdom, unity, and compassion as we serve our people, and may 2026 be a year of consolidation, service, and renewed hope for Kenya.