Homa Bay Governor and ODM party national chairperson Gladys Wanga has penned an emotional open letter to James Orengo, expressing hurt over remarks he recently made about her while raising concerns about the treatment of women in leadership.

In the statement released on Thursday, Wanga clarified that she was speaking in her personal capacity and not as Homa Bay Governor or chairperson of the Orange Democratic Movement.

The governor described Orengo as a senior leader she had long admired for his courage, conviction and contribution to Kenya’s political landscape.

“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.

She said she initially chose silence, believing not every political disagreement deserved a public confrontation. However, she noted that some moments require reflection because of the wider message they send to society.

Wanga revealed that the remarks were particularly painful because they came from someone she regarded as an elder and father figure. She argued that the comments reflected the broader challenges women continue to face in leadership spaces.

According to the governor, women leaders are frequently subjected to ridicule, intimidation and dismissive treatment in ways their male counterparts rarely experience.

“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 stated.

Despite expressing disappointment, Wanga maintained a conciliatory tone throughout the letter, saying leadership should never come at the expense of another person’s dignity.

“I therefore choose forgiveness,” she wrote, while also leaving the door open for dialogue and collaboration on issues affecting the community and the country.