NAIROBI, Kenya- Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has broken her silence in an open letter addressed to Siaya Governor James Orengo, escalating an already simmering political and ideological fallout within the Orange Democratic Movement.
In the lengthy letter, Wanga accused the veteran politician of making remarks that she says were hurtful, demeaning, and damaging not only to her personally, but to women in leadership generally.
Addressing Orengo as “My Father”, Wanga said she had always viewed him as a respected elder and mentor whose political courage inspired younger leaders entering public life.
“That is perhaps why they hurt,” she wrote, explaining that the pain stemmed not from political criticism itself, but from the weight carried by words spoken by influential leaders.
The Homa Bay governor argued that public attacks against women leaders often reinforce harmful attitudes that many women continue to face in workplaces, homes, and politics.
“When remarks directed at a woman carry undertones that diminish, ridicule, or reduce her because of her gender, age, or place in public life, they travel far beyond their immediate target,” she stated.
Her response comes days after remarks allegedly made by Orengo during a political tour in Homa Bay sparked backlash from women leaders allied to ODM.
Several politicians, including Kisumu West MP Roza Buyu and Kabondo Kasipul MP Eve Obara, have since condemned Orengo’s comments, terming them disrespectful and harmful to the progress made by women in leadership.
Wanga also linked the episode to broader struggles women endure in male-dominated leadership spaces, saying many are constantly pressured to “occupy less space” or remain silent.
Despite the criticism, she said she had chosen forgiveness over confrontation and would not engage in prolonged political exchanges with Orengo.
“I therefore choose forgiveness. I was humbled just as I was humiliated,” she wrote.
The letter also exposed deepening divisions within ODM following the death of Raila Odinga, with Wanga reaffirming her support for Oburu Oginga as party leader.
Orengo, who has aligned himself with the Linda Mwananchi faction, has openly criticised sections of ODM leadership, accusing some officials of drawing too close to President William Ruto.
