(HOMA BAY, KENYA) – Political leaders from the Orange Democratic Movement in Homa Bay County have announced an end to their internal divisions and pledged to unite in a campaign to secure votes for President William Ruto in the region. The commitment was made public during a church service, marking a notable shift in the local political landscape ahead of the next general election cycle.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi led the call for reconciliation among the politicians, stating clearly that he would personally not support any leader who fuels division within the community. Speaking at the Sombro Seventh-day Adventist Church in Kochia, Rangwe Constituency, Mr Mbadi noted that repeated infighting is one of the main reasons the county has lagged behind in development. He said personal differences had existed for some time, but that leaders had now sat down, resolved all outstanding matters, and chosen to work together.
The dispute had largely centred on Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and Internal Security Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo. Their respective supporters have clashed publicly over development projects, with some accusing Governor Wanga of trying to take credit for national government initiatives. This friction has been a visible feature of county politics for months.
During the service, Mr Mbadi called Governor Wanga, Dr Omollo, Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, Homa Bay Woman Representative Joyce Osogo, and Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’ to the front of the congregation. In a public display, the leaders held hands to demonstrate their new found unity. Also present were National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, Homa Bay Town MP Opondo Kaluma, Kasipul MP Boyd Were, Rangwe MP Lilian Gogo, and Kabondo Kasipul MP Eve Obara.
Each of the leaders present joined in the symbolic act, which was intended to show collective backing for the ODM party and for the current administration to remain in power beyond 2027. They promised to ensure that President Ruto receives all the votes from the Nyanza region, while noting that the late Raila Odinga had left them within a broad based government.
Governor Wanga appealed to her fellow leaders to stay united for the sake of development projects. She also asked their supporters to follow their example so that the Nyanza region can maintain its unity. She said no progress would be possible if leaders continued to argue amongst themselves. Mrs Wanga added that the leaders now know where they are headed and what the government has achieved, stating that the current administration will drive the country further forward in terms of development.
Dr Omollo committed to continuing to work with all Homa Bay leaders to ensure the county thrives. On the matter of the planned Gen Z demonstrations scheduled for Thursday, the security principal secretary said the government would protect citizens’ property and urged those taking part to follow the law.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Wandayi said all Nyanza leaders have now begun walking together, with their main aim being to ensure the region benefits from development projects. He said that through the guidance of President Ruto and Oburu Oginga, the leadership will move forward as one. Mr Wandayi said the President had shown that Nyanza also deserves to receive development projects and that he deserves to be elected for a second term.