Homa Bay Governor Demands Clarification Over Security Withdrawal

Gladys Wanga, the governor of Homa Bay, has sought clarification from the national government on the rationale behind the removal of her security personnel and those of three other governors from the Nyanza region. Wanga alleges that the government’s action is part of an attempt to quell the Azimio la Umoja protests, particularly those involving members of a specific community in Nyanza.

During her visit to Homa Bay County Referral Hospital and to local victims of alleged police violence, she voiced her objections to the withdrawal of the security details of governors James Orengo (Siaya), Ochilo Ayacko (Migori), and Anyang’ Nyong’o (Kisumu). She questions the motives behind the selective targeting, seeking clear explanations from the authorities.

In addition to her concerns, Wanga joined forces with ex-Laikipia Governor Nderitu Muriithi, Speaker Julius Gaya, and Majority Leader Richard Ogindo of Homa Bay County Assembly to denounce the alleged police violence during the Azimio protests in Nyanza.

She accused the police of excessive force and lethal tactics against demonstrators in parts of Nyanza since the start of anti-government protests in March 2023. Wanga insinuates that law enforcement has been given a ‘shoot-to-kill’ mandate against protesters in the area, an act she finds intolerable and has called for an immediate end.

Wanga, upholding the constitutional rights of Kenyans to peaceful protests, insists that such rights must be safeguarded. She strongly condemned the use of live ammunition on protesters, labelling it a severe violation of human rights. She urged the government to cease the alleged shootings, describing the systematic approach to dealing with protesters as indicative of a planned lethal response, which she deems unacceptable.