Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has dismissed allegations by Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua that she and Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo were planning to mobilise goons to disrupt the Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay.
Wanga instead accused Gachagua of ferrying youths from Githurai and Nyeri to Homa Bay to cause disruptions during the opposition gathering.
Wanga Accuses Gachagua of Sending Goons
Speaking ahead of the rally, Wanga dismissed Gachagua’s allegations and turned the accusations against the former Deputy President.
“Gachagua, you’re the father of goons. Sahii nimeskia wale vibaraka wako ambao umewatuma huko kwetu…umetoa goons kutoka Githurai na Nyeri, umewatuma hapa,” Wanga said.
The governor urged Gachagua to allow residents to attend the political gathering peacefully and warned against bringing outsiders into the county to cause unrest.
“Sisi ni watu wa amani, tunakuomba usituletee mambo yako ya goons hapa. Watu wakija wakuje kwa amani, waongee kwa amani na waende kwa amani. Hatutaki mambo yako,” she said.
Gachagua Claims Wanga and Omollo Behind Disruption Plot
Gachagua had earlier claimed that there was a plan to disrupt the Linda Mwananchi rally, alleging that Wanga and PS Omollo were behind the mobilisation.
“The President promised that goons won’t be allowed and that they would be arrested. So far, no arrest has been made. Despite his assurances, I have credible intelligence that PS Raymond Omollo and Gladys Wanga have organised goons on Sunday to beat and kill people in Homa Bay against Linda Mwananchi,” claimed Gachagua.
The allegations have not been independently established.
Wanga Challenges Gachagua Over Raila’s Legacy
Wanga also criticised Gachagua for repeatedly invoking the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in his political campaigns.
She challenged the DCP leader to stop referring to Raila and accused him of failing to visit the former ODM leader’s final resting place or extend condolences to his widow, Ida Odinga.
“Gachagua, mimi nataka utoe jina yangu kwa mdomo yako. Na pia utoe jina ya Baba Raila Amollo Odinga kwa mdomo yako,” she said.
Wanga also recalled remarks she attributed to Gachagua during the period when Raila led anti-government demonstrations.
“Wewe kabla Baba apumzike, ulisema utarudisha Baba Bondo…ukasema ya kwamba ‘Baba ni nani? Atakufa watu walie siku tatu dunia iendelee.’ Siku hiyo Baba akapigwa risasi nane gari yake, hatujasahau,” Wanga said.
Wanga Dismisses Gachagua’s Claims About ODM
The ODM National Chairperson accused Gachagua of attempting to capitalise on Raila’s political legacy despite having no political relationship with the late opposition leader.
“You have nothing in common with Baba Raila Amollo Odinga, and as an ODM party, we have nothing in common with you,” she said.
Wanga also rejected claims that ODM was losing relevance, insisting that the party remained a national political outfit.
“Gachagua, naskia unasema ODM party imekufa. ODM party cannot be compared to your village party. ODM is a national party,” she said.
The exchange comes amid heightened political tensions ahead of the Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay, with rival political camps trading accusations over alleged plans to mobilise supporters and disrupt the event.
