Wanga said she was speaking in her personal capacity as a woman, mother, wife, and leader navigating spaces historically dominated by men.

📻 Breaking It Down

KISUMU, Kenya May 22 – Homabay Governor Gladys Wanga has written an emotional open letter to her Siaya counterpart James Orengo, calling for reflection, dignity, and respect for women in leadership following remarks she said deeply hurt and humiliated her.

In the strongly worded letter titled “Reflection, Dignity, and the Place of Women in Our Public Life,” Wanga said she was speaking in her personal capacity as a woman, mother, wife, and leader navigating spaces historically dominated by men.

“I write this letter in my personal capacity, not as Governor of Homa Bay County, nor as Chairperson of the ODM Party, but simply as Gladys,” she stated.

📌 What You Need to Know

Wanga revealed that she initially chose silence after Orengo’s remarks, believing not every political disagreement deserved a public confrontation. However, she said the comments carried a deeper cultural and societal weight beyond politics.

“I have always held you in immense respect,” Wanga wrote, describing Orengo as a leader many young politicians admire for courage and principled leadership.

She said hearing the remarks from a senior leader she regarded as a father figure made the experience particularly painful.

According to Wanga, statements that demean women in leadership reinforce long-standing societal attitudes that continue to silence and diminish women in workplaces, homes, and public life.

“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.

The Homa Bay governor said many women are often pressured to “speak more softly, lead smaller, occupy less space, or defer” simply because they are women.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya