Governor Gladys Wanga Declares Bid for Second Term Amid Fierce ODM Contest in Homa Bay

Kenya, 26 May 2026 - A fierce political contest is now taking shape in Homa Bay after Governor Gladys Wanga formally launched her bid for a second term, setting the stage for what could become one of ODM’s most bruising internal battles ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during the high-level ODM retreat for aspirants in Kisumu, Wanga made an emotional but politically calculated appeal for support, declaring that despite her powerful position as national chairperson of the Orange Democratic Movement, she would still submit herself fully to the democratic will of the people.

In a speech laced with humility and quiet defiance, the governor told delegates she was prepared to campaign village by village and seek votes “just like any other candidate”.

“I will go to the people and ask for their votes,” Wanga declared.

“Leadership belongs to wananchi. No one is immune from campaigns and competition.”

The remarks carried deeper political significance than the applause inside the conference hall suggested. They came at a time when opposition against her administration is steadily consolidating around former deputy governor Oyugi Magwanga, once her closest political ally but now her most dangerous challenger.

Their political fallout remains one of the most dramatic ruptures in Homa Bay politics in recent years.

Magwanga resigned from office after months of political hostility, internal tensions and public signs of exclusion from the county administration. Allies of the former deputy governor have long accused Wanga’s inner circle of frustrating him out of office and systematically isolating him from major county decisions.

Now, the former deputy governor is mounting an aggressive grassroots campaign aimed at dislodging Wanga from power.

Across parts of Homa Bay County, early political mobilisation has already begun. Magwanga’s allies are framing the coming race as a rebellion against political exclusion and concentration of power within the county leadership. Wanga’s camp, meanwhile, is projecting stability, continuity and ODM loyalty.

What is emerging is no longer a simple gubernatorial contest. It is rapidly becoming a symbolic struggle over political control of Homa Bay and influence within ODM’s broader succession politics in Nyanza.

Ironically, the showdown is unfolding even as ODM leaders publicly preach unity and discipline ahead of 2027.

At the Kisumu retreat, Wanga sought to position herself as both party chairperson and ordinary aspirant, carefully avoiding any perception that her national status could guarantee political immunity during nominations.