Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has launched a scathing attack on President William Ruto’s administration, putting the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) on notice over a growing list of extra-judicial killings across the country.
In a fiery statement issued just days after her husband was fired from his position at the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), Wanga made it clear that the killing of innocent Kenyans would not be tolerated, regardless of political alliances.
Wanga’s remarks follow a series of brutal incidents involving police officers, including the death of a fisherman in Mbita, a hawker in Nairobi, and the savage beating of a man in Ringiti Island.
Her warning to the UDA has ignited political tension and exposed cracks within the broad-based government born out of the post-Gen Z truce.
Wanga Demands End to UDA Extra-judicial Killings
Governor Gladys Wanga did not mince her words as she condemned the killings, calling them a stain on Kenya’s conscience. In her strongly worded address on Wednesday, she cited the brutal death of 36-year-old fisherman Calvins Omondi Onditi, who was allegedly found hanged inside Kipasi Police Post in Mbita under suspicious circumstances.
She also pointed to the fatal shooting of a hawker during the June 17 protests in Nairobi, and the beating of Gabriel Mwita Chacha by officers on Ringiti Island.
“Enough is enough. The perpetrators of this extra-judicial killing must face the full force of the law,” she declared. “The Kenya Police Service must carry their own cross. We condemn these atrocities and demand accountability. The prosecution of all officers involved, including those bearing command responsibility.”
Wanga accused the government of turning a blind eye to police brutality while hiding behind the language of law and order. She reminded UDA that the 10-point agreement they signed with ODM strictly forbids extra-judicial executions and police impunity.
“Our support for the broad-based government does not extend to extra-judicial killings. We draw the line at state-sanctioned repression. Illegal and unconstitutional repression is not part of the agreement,” she said.
Fallout Over Husband’s Sacking Raises Political Tension
Wanga’s renewed offensive comes just two days after President Ruto sacked her husband, George Wanga, as the non-executive chairman of EPRA. His appointment had lasted barely five months. Replacing him is Adan Haji Ali, who has been tapped to serve a three-year term.
The dismissal, which was quietly announced in the Kenya Gazette dated June 16, is being viewed by many as retaliation for Wanga’s outspoken stance against extra-judicial killings—especially since she began demanding answers over the assassination of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were in May.
Before Were’s killing, Wanga enjoyed a close political relationship with President Ruto. Her name was even being whispered as a possible successor to Rigathi Gachagua following his impeachment in October last year. The President had made multiple visits to Homa Bay, launching multi-billion-shilling projects and praising Wanga’s leadership.
However, that camaraderie now seems to have soured. The President’s latest four-day tour to Homa Bay earlier this month came at a time when Wanga was threatening to withdraw ODM support from the government unless justice was served for Were’s murder.
“Who killed Were? And why? And for what? That we want to know. And not in a far future, in the near future,” she said in a passionate speech on May 3. “We did not sign up for the assassination of our members.”
President Ruto had promised residents of Kasipul that his administration would get to the bottom of the case. Police have since charged several suspects. But Wanga and others remain unconvinced, citing a pattern of delays and lack of transparency.
ODM Rift Widens Over UDA Deal and Extra-judicial Killings
Senator Edwin Sifuna, MP Babu Owino, and other youthful leaders have also voiced concern that the ODM-UDA alliance is drifting off course. They fear that continued extra-judicial killings and police impunity may harm the party’s reputation ahead of the 2027 elections.
Others, like Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o and Siaya’s James Orengo, have taken a softer stance, preferring to focus on development and cooperation with the national government. But Wanga’s approach has been direct and confrontational, signaling a clear break from the honeymoon phase of the political deal.
Political analysts say ODM leader Raila Odinga may soon be forced to intervene to save the fragile alliance. The coalition, stitched together in the wake of the Gen Z-led protests that shook the nation last year, was meant to ensure stability and inclusivity in governance. But the trust underpinning it now appears shaky.
If Wanga’s warnings go unheeded, and the violence continues, ODM may have no option but to pull out—setting the stage for a full-blown political storm.
