Governor Gladys Wanga is facing growing criticism in Homa Bay as more leaders and residents question whether her leadership is focused too much on politics instead of real development.
Many now feel that while political battles continue loudly in public, the everyday needs of wananchi are being pushed aside.
The main issue raising debate is political zoning, which has been strongly linked to Wanga and a section of ODM leaders preparing for the 2027 elections.
Wanga, who also serves as the national chairperson of Orange Democratic Movement, has been clear that Homa Bay and the larger Nyanza region should remain strongholds of the party.
She has warned against United Democratic Alliance gaining political influence in the region and insisted that ODM should not be treated as a junior partner in any coalition arrangement.
She has also pushed for equal political power-sharing.
While that political position may appeal to party loyalists, many residents are asking what it means for ordinary people struggling with daily life. Critics argue that people in Homa Bay are more concerned about poor roads, lack of jobs, weak healthcare services, poor markets, struggling schools, and limited economic opportunities.
To them, zoning is a political conversation that does little to improve the lives of the common mwananchi.
Many believe leadership should first be measured by visible results.
They say political speeches and party loyalty cannot replace working hospitals, clean towns, better roads, and youth employment. For families struggling with high living costs, the debate over which party controls which region feels distant from their reality.
This is where Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo has openly disagreed with Wanga. Millie has strongly rejected the zoning agenda and argued that leadership should be about service delivery and open competition, not protecting political seats. She said leaders should not fear competition if they are doing the right work for the people.
According to Millie, ODM has remained strong over the years without the need for zoning arrangements. She questioned why leaders would want to block political competition if they are confident in their performance. Her message was simple and direct: leadership should be earned through service, not protected through political agreements.
Her stand has attracted major attention because many see it as a direct challenge to Wanga’s political strategy.
She also shared photos from a section of Mt Kenya counties development and comparing to Homa Bay’s.
It has also resonated with residents who feel that development should be the real campaign message. Instead of leaders sitting in boardrooms deciding who should contest where, many people want to see completed projects and real change on the ground.
