Claims of a growing disagreement between Homa Bay governor Gladys Wanga and Interior PS Raymond Omollo surfaced after the Kasipul by-electionOnline allegations link the supposed tension to claims of secret political support in the pollElders, leaders and residents reacted strongly, raising concerns and protests witnessed in Homa Bay, Migori and KisumuSearch option is now available at TUKO! Feel free to search the content on topics/people you enjoy reading about in the top right corner 😉
TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya
A tense disagreement is alleged to be forming between Homa Bay governor Gladys Wanga and Interior PS Raymond Omollo.
Homa Bay governor Gladys Wanga has reportedly fell out with Interior PS Raymond Omollo. Photos: Gladys Wanga, Raymond Omollo.
Source: UGCAccording to several online claims, the supposed tension began shortly after the Kasipul by-election, which ODM candidate Boyd Were won with a clear lead over independent candidate Philip Aroko.
Unconfirmed reports allege that Raymond quietly supported Aroko against the ODM candidate, a move said to have displeased Wanga.
Other claims circulating online suggest that Wanga may have written to President William Ruto asking for Raymond’s removal for allegedly going against the broad-based government arrangement and its preferred candidates.
What Alai said regarding the alleged falloutKileleshwa MCA Robert Alai weighed in through a Facebook post, faulting Wanga and reminding her that Raymond belongs to UDA, not ODM.
“Ray has been in government long before the broad based arrangement. Please do not imagine he is there to serve a few individuals. Stop blackmailing him every day. Even when he visits his home area, he lacks peace because political brokers are unhappy. He is not allowed to meet his own relatives,” Alai wrote.Several voices from Luo Nyanza also criticised Wanga, accusing her of interfering with the PS.
A group of Rachuonyo elders addressed the press on Wednesday, expressing concern over her recent remarks.
“Your recent statements do not reflect the leadership expected from a mother. You allegedly said you are going to grow dreadlocks. What does that mean? Are you declaring war in Homa Bay? What do dreadlocks mean in this context,” one elder asked.“We are asking her to tone down. With the way she is behaving, we do not see leadership in her,” another added.The elders also raised concern about the strained working relations between Wanga and her deputy Oyugi Magwanga after the Kasipul by-election.
They pointed out that supporting a candidate is a political right and should not attract punishment.
Protests in Nyanza amid Wanga-Omollo rumoured falloutOn Tuesday, a large crowd gathered in Homa Bay town protesting against Wanga’s alleged interference with the PS.
Similar demonstrations took place in Migori and Kisumu, where protesters carried placards condemning the claims and chanting in support of Raymond.
Among them was Alice Achieng from Migori. She urged Wanga to stop her alleged hostility toward the PS, warning that many women depend on his support.
“I want to tell Wanga that the fight she has started is harmful. Raymond has supported widows and orphans in this region. When you move against him and tell Ruto to remove him, where will these widows and orphans go? What will they eat? Respect women, because the position you hold today is because of our votes. Do not disrespect us,” she said.Raymond was appointed to the powerful post soon after Ruto’s 2022 win, long before ODM entered its working arrangement with UDA. Wanga and Omollo are yet to comment publicly on the matter.
Homa Bay governor Gladys Wanga is reportedly engaged in a supremacy nbattle with Interior PS Raymond Omollo. Photo: Gladys Wanga.
Source: FacebookDid Wanga fire her deputy?TUKO.co.ke previously reported that Wanga reshuffled her county executive team, removing the Lands County Executive Committee Member (CECM) and stripping her deputy Magwanga of a CEC role.
Joseph Mitito was appointed to head the Lands docket, while Danish Onyango now serves as acting CECM for Agriculture.
The governor said the changes aim to boost service delivery amid rising political tension after the Kasipul by-election.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
