Tension continues to rise in Kenya’s political scene following remarks made by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, who has strongly criticized President William Ruto’s administration over rising cases of extra-judicial killings.
Her statement comes after a string of deadly incidents involving police officers, and just days after her husband, George Wanga, was removed from his position as the non-executive chairman of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
Though no direct link has been made officially, the timing of her husband’s dismissal has raised eyebrows, especially given Wanga’s recent criticism of the government’s handling of police brutality.
Governor Wanga condemned the killings and called them a shame to the country.
She mentioned specific cases, such as that of Calvin Omondi Onditi, a fisherman from Mbita who was allegedly found dead under suspicious circumstances inside a police post.
Homa Bay county governor Gladys Wanga. Photo/X
She also referred to the death of a hawker shot in Nairobi during protests, and the violent beating of Gabriel Mwita Chacha on Ringiti Island. According to Wanga, these events are not just isolated incidents but signs of a larger problem of impunity within the Kenya Police Service. She demanded justice for the victims and called for accountability from those in command positions.
Wanga reminded the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) that the agreement they had signed with ODM does not support any form of extra-judicial killings or police abuse.
She made it clear that her party’s support for the national government was not unconditional. Her comments reflected a shift in tone, especially from someone who was once seen as having a close working relationship with President Ruto.
In the past, the President had praised Wanga’s leadership and had launched several government projects in Homa Bay County. Her name had even been floated in political discussions as a potential successor to the former Deputy President following his impeachment last year.
However, things appear to have changed. Wanga has become more vocal since the killing of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were in May, an event she believes has not received the justice it deserves.
She questioned the motive and the people behind the killing, and she demanded answers from the government. Though police have made some arrests, Wanga and others believe the investigation lacks seriousness and transparency.
Her stand has caused discomfort within the ODM-UDA alliance. Other ODM leaders like Edwin Sifuna and Babu Owino have also expressed concern over the direction the alliance is taking, especially in matters concerning human rights.
Some, like Governors Anyang’ Nyong’o and James Orengo, have chosen a quieter path by focusing on development. But Wanga has remained firm and confrontational, showing that patience is running out in parts of the opposition.
Observers say that ODM leader Raila Odinga may soon have to step in to calm the waters and protect the political alliance. The coalition was created to bring stability after last year’s protests, but if these killings continue and justice is not served, the deal may collapse.
Governor Wanga’s strong remarks are a warning that not all is well within the government-opposition partnership, and that more leaders may speak out if nothing is done.
