Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has strongly defended the Orange Democratic Movement’s (ODM) participation in Kenya’s broad-based government, declaring that the political framework has secured national inclusivity and put an end to the historical marginalization of regional communities.

​Speaking during a women’s empowerment fund drive in Rarieda, Siaya County, Governor Wanga emphasized that ODM remains a firmly national party dedicated to the unification of all Kenyans, dismissing critics who have suggested that the political landscape remains fractured along ethnic lines.

​In her address, Wanga listed several communities that have historically felt excluded from the center of power, arguing that the broad-based government framework has effectively dismantled the politics of exclusion.

​”We, as the ODM party, say that we are a national party and we want national unity,” Wanga said. “And we want everyone to be inside, because this broad-based government has brought the Msambweni inside, it has brought the Jaluo inside, it has brought the Kikuyu inside, it has brought the Giriama inside… the Teso inside, it has brought the Kuria inside, it has brought the Kisii inside. Every Kenyan is inside!”

​The Governor took a sharp swipe at political factions she accused of driving a wedge between citizens through retrogressive rhetoric. She warned against the “politics of hate, politics of tribalism, and politics of division,” which she said are designed to make a section of the country feel like outsiders.

​Addressing murmurs of potential rifts within Nyanza’s political backyard, Wanga firmly rejected any notions of division within the Luo community, stating that the region’s leadership stands resolved behind senior political figures.

​”And those who think that we, as the Luo community, will divide—with some going one way and others going another way—that is impossible,” Wanga stated, rallying the crowd. “We will stand together behind our leader, Dr. Oburu Oginga, and we will continue to speak about matters that concern Kenyans.”

​Turning to economic grievances, specifically the recent national outrage over rising fuel prices, Wanga commended local residents and youth for exercising restraint and avoiding destructive street protests.

She noted that the era of ordinary citizens destroying property to register their displeasure with government policies must come to an end, urging that economic advocacy be left to elected leaders.

​”I want to say thank you to our youth because we said you agreed that our leaders should be the ones to fight those fuel-related battles,” Wanga urged.

“It shouldn’t be you going out again to destroy people’s property, because for all these years, we have been called rioters, stone-throwers… and creators of chaos. This time, let others do that work too! Our youth will not be killed again.”

​The Governor’s remarks come at a time when regional leaders continue to navigate both praise and scrutiny over their capacity to address the soaring cost of living while maintaining political stability through the UDA-ODM pact.