ODM national chairperson Gladys Wanga has taken a firm stance against the upcoming Linda Mwananchi rally set for Sunday in Homa Bay County.
Wanga, along with ODM members, has established a presence in Suba South Constituency, the stronghold of MP Caroli Omondi, encouraging locals to dismiss the rally organized by the faction described as ODM 'rebels'. Similar events are anticipated in the other seven constituencies of Homa Bay.
In the lead-up to the rally, Suba South MP Caroli Omondi has engaged with residents to prepare for the Linda Mwananchi team’s visit, with concerns raised by Siaya Governor James Orengo, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and Omondi about potential disruptions.
Earlier this week, Omondi urged his constituents to ensure President William Ruto does not secure a second term in office. In response, Wanga visited the constituency and criticized Omondi for abandoning ODM's principles, despite being elected on the party ticket.
Wanga highlighted her unsuccessful attempts to collaborate with Omondi on development initiatives for Suba South, a notably marginalized area in Nyanza. She reminded residents that ODM had agreed to cooperate with the government under the broad-based government framework, but Omondi distanced himself after initially showing support for President Ruto.
Speaking at Nyakiamo Stadium in Sindo, Wanga expressed surprise at Omondi's opposition to the government he once backed, noting that other Homa Bay leaders had committed to unity and supported Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi’s appointment. She lamented Omondi’s refusal to join these efforts.
Despite Omondi’s absence from collaborative engagements, Wanga pointed out ongoing infrastructure developments in Suba South funded by the government. She cautioned residents against aligning with Omondi’s faction, asserting they lack a constructive agenda and merely exploit government-funded projects to claim national leadership failure.
Wanga urged voters not to support any political platform Omondi might use to defend his seat, noting his announced intention to leave ODM ahead of next year’s elections.
She also voiced support for President Ruto’s re-election bid, citing his equitable leadership and historic development investments in Nyanza, particularly in Suba.
Joining Wanga were Suba South parliamentary hopefuls Lucy Manyala and Bernard Odhuno, who accused Omondi of sowing division within the community. Kaksingri West MCA aspirant Leonard Ogutu called on Omondi to prioritize development over politics, emphasizing the constituency’s need for promised projects.
