Wanga criticises Gachagua over alleged remarks on Luo community

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga/FILE 

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has criticised former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over remarks she described as offensive and unacceptable towards the Luo community.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Wanga said Gachagua reportedly made divisive and disrespectful comments during a recent address in Gatundu.

“No Kenyan community should be demeaned. The Luo people, like all Kenyans, deserve respect and dignity,” Wanga said.

She termed the remarks reckless and warned against what she described as a growing trend of political rhetoric that undermines national cohesion.

Wanga challenged Gachagua to engage communities respectfully and directly, instead of making what she described as inflammatory statements from regions perceived to be politically friendly to him.

“In case he has the courage he claims, he should engage the people of the Lake Region from their backyard and respectfully,” she said.

The governor also dismissed claims attributed to Gachagua suggesting that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) had been “sold” by party leaders.

She termed the allegation false and misleading, and defended ODM as a longstanding political movement rooted in ideology rather than transactions.

“ODM is a 20-year-old institution built on the blood, sweat and tears of patriots. It cannot be sold, bought or auctioned,” Wanga said.

She added that the party remains anchored on principles of social justice and devolution, and alleged that Gachagua has failed to understand issue-based politics.

Wanga also took issue with Gachagua’s references to ODM leader Raila Odinga, accusing him of hypocrisy.

“It is the height of hypocrisy for him to invoke the name of Raila Odinga. This is a man who did not attend his burial or pay his last respects,” she said.

She said Gachagua was attempting to revive his political standing by associating himself with leaders he had previously criticised.

The Homa Bay governor also criticised what she described as Gachagua’s repeated remarks about Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, terming them disrespectful and lacking diplomatic decorum.

“His references to the President of Tanzania are not just misogynistic but fall short of the respect expected in engagements with fellow African leaders,” Wanga said.

She said such statements reflect poorly on leadership standards and undermine Kenya’s diplomatic relations within the region.

Wanga urged leaders across the political divide to exercise restraint and uphold respectful discourse, particularly on issues affecting communities and national unity.

“If he continues to insult the Luo community and the leadership of ODM, we shall not respond in kind. Our focus remains on development, strengthening devolution and improving livelihoods,” she said.