Gladys Wanga Questions The Govt

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga wants the authorities responsible for her safety to explain why her security detail was withdrawn last week.

The governor, who is among a group of politicians allied to Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party leader Raila Odinga said she does not feel safe after her official bodyguard was withdrawn by the government.

Ms Wanga, along with other Nyanza governors Anyang Nyong’o (Kisumu), James Orengo (Siaya) and Ochilo Ayacko (Migori), had their security details withdrawn last week.

This came after Mr Odinga called for street protests to force the government to reduce the cost of basic commodities by recalling the controversial Finance Bill 2023.

Ms Wanga said she had not been given any explanation as to why her bodyguard was recalled.

“We (Azimio leaders) are being unfairly targeted. We demand an explanation as to why our security has been withdrawn,” she said.

She said her personal guard and others at her home had all been recalled.

The governor spoke on Sunday night after visiting victims of last week’s street protests who were allegedly shot and maimed by police.

Some were at home in the Shauri Yako slums, while others were still in hospital.

Earlier in the day, the governor boarded a plane from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport and landed at Kabunde Airstrip in the afternoon.

She was accompanied by former Laikipia governor Ndiritu Muriithi and county roads director Danish Onyango.

Her usual armed bodyguard was not present.

She was then met by county MCAs and other county officials before travelling to Shauri Yako.

There she was told about the protests in Homa Bay town last week.

Ms Wanga was absent from the protest, as were top Azimio leaders.

She accused police officers tasked with maintaining law and order during the three days of protests of using excessive force in certain areas.

The county chief accused the national police of causing harm to civilians when they could have used alternative means to disperse them.

“Why were some people shot? It means the police used excessive force,” said Ms Wanga.