As reported by Nation Africa, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has spoken firmly against Siaya Governor James Orengo, adding more fuel to growing talk of a disagreement between Orengo and Azimio leader Raila Odinga.
The tension comes after Governor Orengo openly stated that he does not support the idea of joining hands with the ruling UDA party, which is led by President William Ruto.
His position has raised many eyebrows within the ODM party and beyond, as some of Raila’s allies are now clearly showing differences in opinion.
In recent weeks, Orengo, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, and Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o have all shown discomfort with the growing closeness between ODM and the Kenya Kwanza government.
During the burial of George Oduor, Raila Odinga’s longtime aide, in Siaya, both Orengo and Sifuna took the opportunity to criticize the Ruto administration right in front of both Ruto and Raila.
Their strong remarks made it clear that they are not in support of the ongoing talks aimed at creating a working relationship between the opposition and the government.
These open signs of rebellion have reminded many of the fallout between Raila and Orengo in the 1990s. Back then, the two leaders had deep political disagreements which caused them to part ways for a while.
Now, as history seems to repeat itself, people are wondering if Orengo is once again stepping away from Raila’s line of politics.
In what appeared to be a direct reply to Orengo, Governor Gladys Wanga, who also serves as the national chairperson of the ODM party, used a public address in Homa Bay to express her disagreement with Orengo’s views.
She stated clearly that working with the government is the right step forward for the people of the region. Wanga said that the Luo community was not born to remain in the opposition forever and emphasized that development is what matters most at the moment.
She went further and quoted the Bible, pointing to the book of Ecclesiastes to explain that there is a time and season for everything.
According to her, the time for protests has passed, and it is now time to make peace and engage for the benefit of the people. Wanga warned against holding on to outdated political tactics while other communities are receiving government projects and support.
Her message was strong and unapologetic. She reminded Orengo and others that the people need services, not endless fights with the government.
For her, the way forward is clear: back Raila and work with the current leadership to ensure development in Nyanza and beyond.
This shows that there is now a serious split in the ODM party. While leaders like Wanga believe in cooperation with Ruto for practical reasons, others like Orengo prefer to maintain a firm opposition stance.
This disagreement could pose a big test to ODM’s unity and the strength of Raila’s inner circle. If not handled carefully, it could lead to more divisions within the party and weaken the political influence the region has traditionally held.
