HOMA BAY, Kenya – Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has opened up about her 12-year battle with cancer, revealing that she received the diagnosis when she was a newly elected Member of Parliament.
Wanga shared the deeply personal account on August 27, 2026, during the commissioning of the Phoebe Asiyo Oncology Centre at Homa Bay County Teaching and Referral Hospital.
The governor said she decided to speak about her experience while highlighting the importance of expanding cancer services in Homa Bay and ensuring residents can access treatment closer to home.
Wanga said she was diagnosed with colorectal cancer 12 years ago. She recalled how her family reacted to the news and how she chose to remain composed despite the seriousness of the diagnosis.
“I told my family members I have cancer, and they started crying all over, but I was not crying,” Wanga said.
She explained that people around her feared for her life after learning about her condition, but she decided to approach the difficult period with faith and determination.
Wanga credited former nominated Senator Beth Mugo, who has also been a prominent voice in cancer advocacy, with helping her develop the mindset she needed after her diagnosis. She recalled Mugo telling her that fear could become a greater threat than the illness itself.
“It is your mind that is going to kill you. It is not the cancer,” Wanga quoted Mugo as telling her.
The advice influenced how Wanga approached her treatment and recovery. Rather than allowing the diagnosis to overwhelm her, she said she focused on maintaining a positive outlook and appreciating the opportunity she had to receive medical care.
Her position as a Member of Parliament gave her access to treatment, something she acknowledged while reflecting on the difficulties faced by many Kenyans who cannot easily afford specialised cancer care.
The Homa Bay governor said faith and gratitude played an important role throughout her 12-year journey. She explained that she chose to thank God for the treatment she could access instead of allowing the diagnosis to consume her.
“All I did always was just to thank God. And in thanksgiving, 12 years later, I am here. I am not going anywhere,” Wanga said.
She said her relatives struggled emotionally when she informed them about her condition, while she tried to remain strong. Wanga made the disclosure while commissioning a facility designed to strengthen cancer care in Homa Bay.
The Phoebe Asiyo Oncology Centre is expected to expand access to cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment and support services for residents of the county and neighbouring areas.
She said residents should not have to travel long distances away from their families whenever they need specialised cancer services. Her administration has therefore prioritised the development of oncology services within the county, allowing patients to receive more care closer to their homes.
“It is people who are going to come here to get treated. It is not us,” Wanga said while explaining the purpose of the facility.
The centre is expected to provide services across different stages of cancer care, including screening, diagnosis, treatment, counselling and palliative care.
Wanga’s administration hopes the new centre will reduce that burden for residents of Homa Bay. The facility is also expected to strengthen the county’s role as a regional healthcare centre by serving patients from neighboring counties.
After 12 years, Wanga now describes herself as a survivor and used the oncology centre’s commissioning to encourage greater attention to cancer care.
Wanga ended her reflection on an emphatic note, saying her experience had strengthened rather than diminished her determination.
“12 years later, I am here. I am not going anywhere,” she said.
