By Anderson Ojwang
Homa Bay MP Peter Kaluma, in his speech on Sunday during a campaign in Kasipul, may have lifted the lid on the delicate and emerging post–Raila Odinga political landscape.
Kaluma, in his lamentation to Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot over the decision by the UDA brigade from Nyanza to support independent candidate Philip Aroko against ODM and broad-based government candidate Boyd Were, revealed the troubling political situation that Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga may be facing in the post-Raila political matrix and realignment.
Wanga could be facing political isolation, and it appears she may have become a marked person — a political target in the emerging post-Raila era.
If anything, Wanga looks increasingly like a lone ranger in the new political equation in Homa Bay County following her fallout with Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga.
The emergence of a combined political force against her, the conspicuous absence of most Homa Bay MPs from her campaigns, and the failure to hold joint rallies with Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi may be indicators of what the future holds for Raila’s once-trusted lieutenant.
Wanga enjoyed Raila’s ear and wielded significant influence in the former Prime Minister’s political structure. Through that power, she rose to the governorship and the ODM national chairpersonship.
Kaluma said:
“Yesterday Governor Obado came all the way from Migori and was campaigning with Aroko in Kasipul. They are intimidating our people. The other day Odoyo Owidi was there campaigning for Aroko, yet we are in a broad-based government under President William Ruto.
Just as we speak now, former Nairobi Governor Dr Evans Kidero has just left Aroko’s home. They are confusing our people.
The presence of these people is causing confusion among the electorate.
The big problem is that we cannot be in the broad-based government together while the UDA team is campaigning for our opponent. So we need you, Senator, to tell the President to rein in these people.
We feel very bad, and President Ruto will also feel very bad. Rein in these people,” he said.
Currently, Wanga and Kaluma have pitched camp in Kasipul campaigning for ODM’s Boyd Were, while several MPs from the county — Martin Owino (Ndhiwa), Adipo Okuome (Karachuonyo), Millie Mabona Odhiambo, Caroli Omondi (Suba South and North), and Woman Representative Dr Joyce Osogo — have been largely absent, save for yesterday when Millie, Gogo, and Osogo joined.
Interestingly, Wanga had been grooming candidates to replace some of these sitting MPs in the 2027 general election, a move that has created friction and tension.
With the demise of Raila, new political realignments are underway, casting doubt on Wanga’s influence in Homa Bay.
Magwanga recently said he would not be intimidated or blackmailed into supporting Boyd Were after what he termed a bungled ODM nomination.
“They returned my funeral contribution for the late Ongondo Were and still expect me to support their candidate. I cannot be intimidated or blackmailed. I have been insulted far too long, and this election will bring back some respect,” he said.
Kidero defied Raila in the 2022 general election to run against Wanga for the Homa Bay governorship, while Magwanga and other aspirants were compelled to support her.
With Raila gone, the battleground is now level, and Wanga finds herself in the eye of the storm, with all guns trained on her.
During a recent empowerment event in Kasipul, Deputy President Kindiki Kithure and Principal Secretary for Internal Security Dr Raymond Omollo openly endorsed Boyd Were and urged residents to vote for him.
Wanga wrote on her X handle:
“Kasipul, the time is now! This Thursday, the future of Kasipul is on the ballot. Today in North Kamagak, we presented to you a candidate who is ready to deliver — sharp, focused, visionary, and aligned with your aspirations as a constituency.
We were honored to have the presence of my Siaya counterpart James Orengo, Millie Odhiambo, Senator Moses Kajwang’, Gogo, and Osogo. As we conclude these campaigns and head to the polls, we urge everyone to ensure not only a peaceful election but also a high voter turnout to secure our victory.”
Odoyo Owidi said it was within their right to support a candidate of their choice and that they were unbothered by the remarks from Kaluma and Wanga.
“Neither Kaluma nor Gladys Wanga can dictate to us who we support. Raila could! In fact, they need the government more than the government needs them. Gladys Wanga must also know that playing the victim and invoking Raila’s name everywhere will not help her.
The only people we will allow to invoke Raila’s name are Dr Idah Odinga, Hon Winnie Odinga, Junior, and Rosemary,” he said.
Former Migori Governor Okoth Obado declared that ODM had split and died with Raila.
“Mokuongo ODM cha usekethe. Ng’ani oseyuaye kocha gi koni. Oseyiech ka nanga ka pod itari ni iluwo bange wachni.
En koth ma osechue wachandori. ODM nyoncha en Raila. Raila ne en ODM.”
(“ODM has been split right down the middle. It is rain that has ended. ODM was Raila, and Raila was ODM.”)
For Wanga, the storm is heavy, the guns are trained on her, and she must now battle on both the ODM and Homa Bay fronts, where her straight political path faces the ultimate acid test.
