By Team
The on-and-off political supremacy battle between Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and Internal Security Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo on Wednesday shifted to the Homa Bay County Assembly.
The rivalry was reignited following a weekend visit by nine Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) to Dr. Omollo’s rural home in Kibiri. The delegation was led by former Budget Committee Chairman Jeff Ongoro, once a close ally of Governor Wanga but now a fierce critic.
On Wednesday, four MCAs — Vickens Bondo (West Kasipul), Pauline Oyoo (Nominated, Suba North), Boaz Kiri (Kabuoch North), and Tony Otheo (Aruju Ward) — were de-whipped and removed from the House Business Committee.
Five other MCAs had earlier been de-whipped and removed from various committees after allegedly rebelling against the governor. They were close associates of the immediate former Speaker Julius Gaya, who resigned from the position.
In total, nine MCAs visited Omollo’s home over the weekend. They included Tom Adinda (Kendu Town), Daniel Ogada (Nominated, Kasipul), Apopo Lantana (Kanyadoto), Milka Orony (Ruma-Kaksingri), and Victor Uhuru (Kaksingiri West).
Majority Leader Richard Ouma Ogindo moved the motion for their removal, seconded by Chief Majority Whip Bob Obondo (Central Kasipul).
Ongoro criticized the move, saying the MCAs were punished simply for visiting the PS.
“It is unfortunate that my colleagues have been de-whipped for visiting PS Omollo. If anything, we did not discuss anything to do with the county government. The PS only asked us to give support to President William Ruto,” he said.
He condemned what he termed as high-handedness and combative politics, arguing that such actions were not in the region’s best interest.
Last year, protests in support of Dr. Omollo were held across parts of Nyanza over what was described as attempts by Governor Wanga to undermine him. In Kisumu, hundreds of women staged peaceful demonstrations that briefly paralyzed the town, protesting what they called “unwarranted fighting” against the Internal Security PS.
The demonstrators expressed confidence in President William Ruto’s government, saying Omollo had effectively represented its agenda in the region.
A section of the protesters claimed that Wanga had opened a political war against the PS over the Kasipul by-election, despite Omollo openly campaigning for and supporting ODM candidate Boyd Were, who won the seat.
They urged leaders to avoid divisive politics and instead focus on development, emphasizing the need to support technocrats serving in government.
On social media, the rivalry also played out publicly. Kisumu businessman Polycarp Ochola Kamili warned Wanga against targeting the PS.
He wrote on his Facebook page: “Winning Kasipul seat was a collective effort within the broad-based government and not a platform for anyone to claim undue glory. Homa Bay is fortunate to have both you and PS Dr. Raymond Omollo and we will not allow any attempts to undermine or smear the PS.”
The feud between Wanga and Omollo has partly revolved around national government projects in Homa Bay County, with the governor claiming she lobbied the President for several of the initiatives.
Last year, Omollo’s elder brother, Hesbon Omollo, issued a statement on Facebook clarifying that the PS’s community engagements should not be misconstrued as a bid for the gubernatorial seat.
He wrote:
“Greetings to my friends and associates from Homa Bay County. Our journey of engagement has always been rooted in improving the lives of our people. Public service and representation have been at the core of my commitment, dating back to 2007 when I stepped forward to contest for the parliamentary seat of Karachuonyo. Community engagement is not just a duty—it is part of my identity.”
He added:
“Recently, my active involvement in community activities has led to speculation that I intend to vie for the position of Governor. Unfortunately, this has sparked unnecessary tension and unfounded rumors that do not serve our collective progress as a people.”
He further stated:
“We MUST all support the broad-based government in action and spirit. I fully support and serve the government of President William Samoei Ruto in my capacity as a director within a key entity driving one of the major pillars of the BETA agenda.”
And concluded:
“I wish to categorically state that I am not pursuing the gubernatorial seat for Homa Bay County and neither have I stated as such before. This is a time for service delivery, not political competition. My dedication to community development and empowerment remains steadfast, and I urge my people to focus on initiatives that foster growth and progress. Let us move forward with clarity and purpose.”
The ongoing supremacy battle now appears firmly entrenched in both political and institutional spaces, raising concerns about its impact on governance and unity in Homa Bay County.
