I’m not quitting Homa Bay governor race, declares Wanga

Homa Bay Woman Representative Gladys Wanga has dismissed reports that she is quitting the county 2022 gubernatorial race. 

Speaking on Saturday during a women’s empowerment programme at Riat village in Ndhiwa, Wanga said the decision run for the governor seat is irreversible.

She termed political propaganda claims by his proponents that she will not contest the governor's seat.

“I have heard some people saying I am defending my seat while others say I am eyeing Rangwe parliamentary seat. Let them stop the political propaganda,” Wanga said.

There have been claims that Wanga intends to quit the race and instead vie for Rangwe parliamentary seat where she hails from.

Rumours that Wanga was no longer interested in the seat emerged as more politicians including former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero expressed interest to succeed Governor Cyprian Awiti.

The County MP said after her consultations with various groups in the county which culminated into her endorsement by the Luo Council of Elders in Rangwe a week ago.

“I have had consultations with stakeholders and concluded that I am running for Homa Bay gubernatorial seat. This decision is what made the elders endorse me last week,” Wanga said.

She said a number of development projects she had implemented in various parts of Homa Bay county give her good opportunity to become governor.

Other aspirants

Earlier, gubernatorial aspirant Jared Otieno told the county gubernatorial candidates to prepare for tough competition from him.

Otieno said the time had come for a young person to lead Homa Bay as a chief executive officer.

“It is good to compete fairly but let my fellow aspirants prepare for stiff competition from me,” Otieno said.

The businessman cited numerous projects he has initiated in the county to empower the youth and women give him high chances of being elected the second governor of Homa Bay.

“The youth, women, farmers and other players in the economic sector have seen my initiatives and concluded that I am fit for the seat,” Otieno said.

Homa Bay Deputy Governor Hamilton Orata also said he will occupy the seat when Awiti exits in 2022.

“There is nobody closer to this seat than me. Let the right time come,” Orata said.

Apart from Wanga, Orata and Otieno, the seat has also attracted a number of candidates including County Secretary Isaiah Ogwe, former Kasipul MP Oyugi Magwanga, Kidero, Kuppet Secretary-General Akelo Misori and ODM National Chairman John Mbadi.