From the media today, we learnt that Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has written an emotional open letter to Siaya Governor James Orengo, saying remarks he recently made about her caused pain and humiliation while raising broader concerns about the treatment of women in leadership.
“I have always held you in immense respect. To many of us who entered public life after your generation, you have represented courage, conviction and the possibility of principled leadership,” Wanga wrote.
According to Wanga, the remarks hurt her because they came from someone she regarded as an elder and father figure.
“You have been around for a long time, and I have personally regarded you with the esteem one reserves for an elder and, in many ways, with the affection and deference one would extend to a father figure,” she wrote.
The Homa Bay governor said the comments went beyond ordinary political criticism and reflected challenges many women continue to face in leadership spaces.
“When remarks directed at a woman carry undertones that diminish, ridicule or reduce her because of her gender, age or place in public life, they travel far beyond their immediate target,” she said.
“They become an echo familiar to millions of women and girls who have endured various forms of gender-based violence, exclusion, intimidation and dismissal in workplaces, homes and public spaces.”
Wanga argued that women leaders are often subjected to insults and attacks that men in similar positions rarely experience.
She said comments made by respected leaders have the power to shape attitudes in society and influence how women are perceived and treated in public life.
“Many women are told to speak more softly, lead smaller, occupy less space, or defer — not because they are wrong, but because they are women,” she said.
Wanga further stated that leadership should not come at the expense of another person’s dignity and humanity.
“I write in the hope that moments such as these can remind us all, especially those of us privileged to be in leadership, that strength and dignity are never diminished by kindness,” she said.
Despite expressing disappointment, Wanga maintained a conciliatory tone throughout the letter and avoided escalating the matter into a prolonged political confrontation.
She said she still respects Orengo as a senior leader whose contribution to Kenya’s public life deserves honour.
“I therefore choose forgiveness,” Wanga stated.
James Orengo is in a political nightmare that he never imagined he could face. Today Orengo wants to run for the presidency and he thinks he is the only one fit for that job.
The next day James Orengo is facing impeachment from MCAs in Siaya County who are just sick and tired with his laziness and inability to do anything for the Siaya County residents which is the only county in Kenya today surviving with an absent governor who has abandoned his job. Orengo knows he will not get even 2% of the vote if he runs for Siaya Governor because the folks there are just sick of him.
Now James Orengo is imposing himself as the leader of the Linda Mwanainchi group and their hero. That could be the fastest way that group dies politically because when Kenyans see James Orengo there, they will take the whole thing as a big joke.
I will not be surprised if other Linda Mwanainchi leaders ask Orengo to go away and leave them alone. That is going to be hard because James Orengo is projecting himself as the great national wall for the Linda group to lean on and they will succeed with him as their leader.
That could be a total disaster for the group.
People like Babu Owino and Edwin Sifuna are looking for a political future with big seats to run for in 2027 and Orengo is a mess there and he wants all the publicity.
Someone like Babu Owino is going for Nairobi County Governor job in 2027 and Rigathi Gachagua already made it public that his party will choose someone from his tribe to run for that seat. That puts someone like Owino in real trouble and opens the door for Sakaja to win again as Nairobi County Governor.
But here is Jim heading the Linda group to Machakos.
Linda Mwananchi to pitch camp in Machakos on May 31
In the media, Siaya Governor James Orengo called on residents to turn up in large numbers for discussions centred on accountability and economic empowerment.
ODM’s Linda Mwananchi faction leaders at a past rally
The ODM faction, Linda Mwananchi movement, will on May 31 hold a grassroots engagement forum in Machakos County as the initiative continues to expand its outreach across the country.
Siaya Governor James Orengo called on residents to turn up in large numbers for discussions centred on accountability, economic empowerment and governance.
“Machakos County, mwiaseo? This Sunday, May 31, the Linda Mwananchi team is landing live in the heart of Masaku. We are bringing the grassroots movement straight to your doorstep to talk matters of accountability, economic liberation, and real solutions for the ordinary mwananchi,” Orengo said.
Actually, the meeting is next Sunday not this Sunday as Orengo claims in his statement but that is James Orengo for you. The guy needs help.
Sometimes when veteran politicians run out of options it is better to walk away with your dignity and go live your private life. Kiraitu Murungi just did that a few months ago. Orengo better go that way and maybe he can save himself from the humiliation of just being crushed out of politics by the time of 2027 elections.
