HOMA BAY, Kenya – Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has launched a blistering attack on opposition leaders, accusing them of dragging former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s name into political conversations to remain relevant in the national discourse.
Speaking during the funeral of Albert Ojwang at Nyawango Primary School in Homa Bay County, Wanga took a veiled swipe at leaders she described as “scavengers” with no political agenda of their own.
“We cannot have an opposition of scavengers, clueless fellows who don’t know what they are talking about. All they do is talk about Baba. If you don’t have an agenda, shauri yenu,” she said to applause from the crowd.
Wanga further blasted opposition figures for what she termed as opportunistic attempts to ride the wave of the youth-led Gen Z protest movement, which has captured the nation’s attention in recent weeks.
“These Gen Zs walked faithfully for a cause—one that is about the future of this country. But they will not allow you to hijack that cause for your selfish interests,” she warned.
Her remarks appeared to be directed at a group of opposition leaders—including Wiper Party’s Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, and former Attorney General Justin Muturi—who are currently touring the Western region under what they are calling a “national liberation” campaign.
The group has held rallies in Kakamega and Vihiga counties this week, calling for reforms and accusing the Ruto administration of mismanaging the country.
Gachagua Back in the Spotlight
In what many interpreted as a swipe at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Wanga recalled his past statements about preventing Raila Odinga from joining the government.
“He once said he would set traps to stop Baba from accessing government. Now they are wandering around with no plan, no direction—just hot air,” she said.
Gachagua has recently re-emerged on the political scene and joined the opposition-led tour of the Western region.
In a post on social media, he thanked residents of Kakamega and Vihiga for turning up in large numbers for the rallies.
“The people are awake. The youth are awake. Kenya is rising,” Gachagua posted.
Together with my brothers Kalonzo Musyoka, George Natembeya, Eugine Wamalwa, Fred Matiangi, Cleo Malala, Justin Muturi and other leaders, we kicked off our second day of the Mulembe Nation tour with the official opening of the DAP-K offices in Butula constituency, Busia County.
Opposition Dismisses Claims of Hijacking Protests
The opposition leaders have denied claims of co-opting the Gen Z protests, instead praising the youth for standing firm against injustice.
“Goons were sent to block us, but they were met by the brave and patriotic Gen Z front, who stood tall and unshaken,” Kalonzo Musyoka told supporters in Vihiga.
Despite rising tensions, the opposition has vowed to continue with its regional outreach, describing it as a push for national dialogue and accountability.
Wanga, a staunch ODM loyalist and close ally of Raila, maintained that the future of the country lies in a broad-based, inclusive government—not what she described as “hustlers turned tourists.”
“This country needs unity, not opportunism. Let’s be honest about what we stand for—and stop using Baba’s name as a campaign tool,” she said.
