By Habil Onyango
There was glitz and glamour in Homa Bay during the National ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga’s thanksgiving ceremony as hundreds of party supporters turned up to witness history being made.
Wanga became the first Governor from the Western region and the first female leader to serve as chairperson of Raila Odinga’s party.
The Former Prime Minister led a number of leaders, including National Government Cabinet Secretaries, Governors, Senators, MPs, MCAs, and other leaders from various political parties.
The ceremony, held at Ligisa Secondary School in Rangwe Constituency, Homa Bay County, drew party supporters from all over the country.
Party enthusiasts began arriving at the venue as early as 6 in the morning, braving the scorching sun and drizzling rain.
Raila praised Governor Wanga, stating she has all the qualities needed to ensure ODM remains strong and capable of forming the next government.
He instructed Wanga to ensure that ODM remains resilient and extends its roots across the country, emphasizing his shift in focus to his AU responsibilities.
“Wanga has shown strong signs of leadership in the past and must ensure that democracy prevails under her watch,” Raila affirmed.
He dismissed critics opposed to Wanga’s elevation due to gender, saying, “Even in every successful family, there must be a strong woman to care for the children when the father is away.”
“There are some people who are saying, ‘Oh, women cannot hold major leadership positions.’ I want to ask them, who gave birth to them?” he posed.
“Women carry the heaviest burden in each and every family, from giving birth to raising children,” he remarked.
The ceremony marked the first major meeting for ODM since its leadership changes and the secondment of members to government roles.
Raila tasked the new team with registering new members, stating, “Without a strong party, there will be no development or hope for forming the next government.”
The leaders expressed gratitude to Raila for appointing Wanga to the party’s leadership position.
Cabinet Secretary for Treasury, John Mbadi, voiced confidence in Wanga’s capability, saying, “I have faith in the Homa Bay Governor to lead the party to the next level. I am happy the party leadership remains in Homa Bay.”
Mombasa Woman Representative Mishi Mboko praised the advancement of the women’s agenda in capturing top party leadership through Wanga.
Former Gender CS Aisha Jumwa expressed appreciation to President William Ruto and Raila for believing in women and awarding them key roles in their parties.
“I want to thank my party leader, President William Ruto, and Raila for believing in us and entrusting us with leadership,” she said.
“In UDA, we have Cecile Mbarire as our Chairperson, while in ODM we now have Wanga. From this, we will achieve the two-thirds gender principle in the country, increasing the number of women in leadership,” she added. Rangwe MP Lilian Gogo described Wanga as a go-getter, crediting her ascent to high office to her determined attitude.
