A section of leaders and residents from Kisumu County have called out Siaya Governor James Orengo over remarks he allegedly made against his Homa Bay counterpart Gladys Wanga, terming them disrespectful to women and divisive to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
“We will not accept attempts to take women backwards politically. Women have worked hard over the years to earn their place in leadership,” she said.
Buyu questioned why women leaders should be subjected to such remarks, noting that women can attain leadership positions through merit, hard work and the support of voters.
“We may wear pants as women, but that does not mean we should be told to remove them in order to join politics or succeed in leadership,” she added.
The Kisumu West MP pointed out that Governor Wanga was democratically elected in the same manner Orengo was elected governor of Siaya County and therefore deserved equal respect.
Buyu further claimed that Orengo should chase his political ambitions without attacking women leaders.
“He should leave women alone. He cannot speak about the Chairperson of ODM using such utterances,” she said.
Kisumu Central youth leader Frankline Wasonga also criticised Orengo, saying the veteran politician should be guiding young people on ethics and responsible leadership instead of engaging in public attacks.
“Governor Wanga has been working tirelessly to solidify and unite ODM and bring the Luo community together. It is betrayal for Governor Orengo to publicly attack a fellow elected leader,” Wasonga said.
He added that while young people respected Orengo, they would not allow leaders to make utterances that could divide the community.
“We want him to join hands with other leaders so that together we can address issues affecting our people and ensure development reaches the community,” he said.
Traders and Bunge la Wananchi members also condemned the utterance, saying they will not allow such remarks.
Uhuru Market Business Complex Centre chairperson Tabitha Hugo also condemned the remarks, saying women leaders deserve dignity and respect.
Hugo said Orengo rose politically through the support and influence of Raila Odinga and should therefore uphold the ideals associated with ODM, including unity and respect for all leaders.
“It is unfortunate for a leader of Governor Orengo’s stature to publicly attack a fellow leader, especially a woman,” she said.
Amina Oganga, a trader at Chichwa Market, questioned whether the remarks implied that women who supported leaders politically had improper relationships with them, saying such statements demean women publicly.
She urged Orengo to publicly apologise to Governor Wanga and women across the country, adding that women remain the foundation of society and should not be subjected to public humiliation.
Bunge la Wananchi’s Evans Otieno opined that the remarks linked to the governor undermine women in leadership.
“We don't take this lightly, and we want Orengo to publicly apologise over this and respect women as a whole,” he said.
Wasonga also called for unity among Luo leaders, saying political differences should be handled respectfully for the sake of development and empowerment within the region.
“We come from one community and one country. Let us unite, debate issues respectfully and work towards moving the Luo community from one level to another,” he said.
