In a powerful display of solidarity, thousands of Kisumu women took to the streets, not just to march, but to fiercely defend a man they believe has been their champion against what they see as politically motivated attacks. This wasn't just a protest; it was a passionate outcry against Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga's alleged attempts to undermine Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, a figure they credit with tangible community improvements.
On December 2nd, the streets of Kisumu's city centre were flooded with women from informal settlements like Kaloleni, Nyalenda, Manyatta, and Obunga. Their placards weren't just signs; they were declarations of support for Omollo and accusations against Governor Wanga, demanding she 'leave PS Omollo alone.' The procession temporarily halted traffic along major roads like Oginga Odinga Street and Angawa Avenue, a symbolic disruption reflecting the tension brewing beneath the surface.
But here's where it gets controversial: At the heart of this dispute lies the recent Kasipul by-election, where political rivalries have erupted into open conflict. Governor Wanga, also the national chairperson of the ODM party, accuses Omollo and his allies of covertly supporting independent candidate Philip Aroko. While ODM's Boyd Were ultimately won, the aftermath continues to fester. Wanga insists the seat was strictly an ODM matter, claiming government officials aligned with the UDA party should stay out of party politics.
And this is the part most people miss: Critics argue Wanga's stance is less about party loyalty and more about silencing leaders perceived to be sympathetic to the national government's broader agenda. They see her actions as an attempt to isolate those who might bridge the gap between local and national interests.
For the women of Kisumu, Wanga's position reeks of political intimidation. Halina Said, a resident of Kaloleni, passionately addressed the crowd, highlighting Omollo's support for the marginalized. 'PS Omollo has stood with the lowly and the downtrodden in our communities,' she declared. 'Any attempt to pressure President Ruto into removing him from the Interior docket must be rejected.' Said further emphasized the tangible impact of Omollo's initiatives, citing housing projects and community support programs that have benefited widows across Kisumu, Siaya, Migori, and Homa Bay.
Sarah Opiyo, another demonstrator, voiced unwavering support for President William Ruto's two-term movement and warned that attempts to intimidate civil servants who champion grassroots empowerment would backfire. 'We have received empowerment through PS Omollo,' she stated, pointing to initiatives like school fee assistance for TVET students and programs helping young people acquire tuk-tuks and motorcycles. 'Leaders driven by selfish interests are fighting him because he has risen in the Luo community as someone who helps ordinary people,' Opiyo added.
The timing of the protest is significant. It came just a day after Governor Wanga removed her deputy, Oyugi Magwanga, from the agriculture portfolio, a move widely seen as retribution for allegedly supporting Aroko during the by-election. County insiders reveal this decision has deepened fractures within Homa Bay's leadership.
Political observers note Wanga's tightening grip on Nyanza as ODM chair, swiftly cracking down on what she perceives as internal dissent. However, her critics accuse her of exploiting party loyalty to settle political scores.
Is Governor Wanga genuinely protecting party interests, or is she silencing voices that challenge her authority? The women of Kisumu have made their stance clear, but the debate rages on. What do you think? Is this a legitimate defense of community interests, or a politically motivated backlash? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments.
