On 21 November 2018, South North MP Millie Odhiambo publicly turned against Homa Bay Women Representative Gladys Wanga’s push for the county governorship, setting up an open rift inside the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Odhiambo said she supports women in leadership, but argued that Wanga was an exception. Her remarks came as President Uhuru Kenyatta, Deputy President William Ruto and National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale were urging Kenyans to give women more leadership opportunities.
In a Facebook post, Odhiambo said Wanga would be “the worst mistake Home Bay would make for the choice of governor.” She added that Wanga had not performed well in managing the National Government Affirmative Action fund and what she described as the “ever-consuming Sacco.”
She also made clear that her position was final, saying: “I hereby declare you do not have my support. You can unleash all the online warriors in heaven and on earth but it only makes my resolve firm. I do not support you, period,” Odhiambo wrote.
Wanga had recently signaled interest in succeeding Cyprian Awiti as Homa Bay County Governor. If she enters the race, she could face fellow ODM lawmakers John Mbadi and Opondo Kaluma.
