Opinion: Gladys Wanga’s Politics of Hype Cannot Hide Homa Bay’s Development Failures
Gladys Wanga is once again finding herself at the center of criticism after making bold political declarations about ODM’s influence and power-sharing ambitions while many residents back home continue questioning her own performance as governor. During a gathering bringing together aspirants from the four Luo Nyanza counties, Wanga reportedly declared that ODM remains the “largest party in Africa south of the Sahara and north of Limpopo” and suggested the party would share government with President William Ruto on a “50-50” basis. The statements may have excited loyal supporters in the room. The audience may have clapped enthusiastically. But outside the political rally atmosphere, many Kenyans are now asking a very simple question: On what mathematical or political basis would ODM command half of government power? Critics argue that such statements reflect the growing culture of political fantasy and empty chest-thumping that continues dominating sections of Kenya’s political leadership while ordinary citizens struggle with real problems like unemployment, poor healthcare, water shortages and failing infrastructure. Even if ODM were to sweep every parliamentary seat across Luo Nyanza and pick a handful elsewhere, critics say the numbers still fall far short of justifying “50-50 government” rhetoric. For many observers, the bigger issue is not even the political arithmetic. It is the growing disconnect between political speeches and actual governance performance. Because while Governor Wanga speaks aggressively about national power-sharing and ODM supremacy, critics say Homa Bay residents are still waiting for meaningful transformation on the ground. The criticism has become particularly sharp around stalled and delayed county projects that residents claim have dragged on for years with little visible urgency from the county government. One of the projects repeatedly cited by critics is the controversial KSh 200 million Emergency Hospital project, which reportedly began in 2023 but continues attracting questions over delays and completion timelines. Residents are now openly asking whether Wanga is seeking a second term to complete projects that should already have been operational years ago. Others are questioning why critical county facilities, including mortuary infrastructure and health projects, continue generating payment disputes and contractor complaints while billions continue flowing annually into county coffers. The frustration among sections of residents is becoming increasingly visible because many feel county leadership has prioritized politics, rallies and image management over practical service delivery. Critics argue that Homa Bay should today be one of Kenya’s fastest-growing counties considering its strategic location on Lake Victoria, tourism potential, fishing economy and youthful population. Instead, they say the county continues struggling with poor roads, unreliable water access, weak healthcare services and limited economic opportunities despite years of devolution funding. The growing dissatisfaction now raises uncomfortable questions for Governor Wanga ahead of future political battles. Can political slogans and ODM loyalty alone convince voters? Can endless national political rhetoric replace actual development? Can applause at political meetings hide unfinished projects back home? Because for many frustrated residents, the real issue is no longer speeches. It is results. And critics now argue that before discussing “50-50 government,” leaders like Gladys Wanga should first explain what exactly has been fully delivered to the people who elected them in the first place.
Ladun Liadi -
