Wanga to Kalonzo: We loved you until you joined Gachagua

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga revealed the reason behind the falling out between ODM and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka. According to Wanga, their relationship changed when Kalonzo began collaborating with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. During a fundraising event at St Francis Catholic Church Rangenya in Kisumu County on Sunday, September 27, Wanga reminisced about Kalonzo's long-standing association with the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

She acknowledged ODM's appreciation for Kalonzo's support of Raila but accused him of altering political alliances after joining forces with Gachagua. Wanga stated, "Kalonzo we know you always stood with Baba Raila Odinga and we loved you. But when you started working with Rigathi Gachagua, that is when you lost us."

The ODM leader's comments aimed at rallying residents in Kisumu to support President William Ruto's re-election in the 2027 General Election. Wanga explained that the decision to work with Ruto was driven by the perceived development being delivered to the region through a broad-based government. She criticized the alternative group, stating, "The other group has no agenda, has no plan. We are supporting Ruto’s re-election because he has stood with us and now we are seeing development in our region."

The political realignment in Nyanza following Raila's death in October 2025 and the ongoing divisions among leaders who previously worked together in opposition were highlighted through Wanga's remarks. Kalonzo has since joined forces with Gachagua and other opposition leaders in an attempt to build a political alliance ahead of the 2027 election.

While Wiper leader Kalonzo has been campaigning in Nyanza, a region historically linked with Raila and ODM, Wanga and other ODM leaders have defended the party's cooperation with Ruto's administration and its decision to back his re-election. Wanga also cautioned against the predictions that ODM would collapse following Raila Odinga's death, asserting that the party had emerged "new and fired up" while its critics had become polarized, with rival leaders unwilling to unite due to personal ambitions and competing egos.