• She has on several occasions been forced to clarify that she will not inherit cabinet members in Awiti’s administration if she is elected governor.
Image: ROBERT OMOLLO
@robertomollo3
Homa Bay Woman Representative Gladys Wanga is fighting off the baggage of Governor Cyprian Awiti, with supporters worried she may inherit some of his CECs if elected in August.
Wanga is the ODM candidate for governor. She is running with former Kasipul MP Oyugi Magwanga as her deputy.
Awiti's administration has been accused of underperformance. The outgoing governor was twice elected on the ODM ticket.
Wanga is now seeking to detach herself from the current administration.
She has on several occasions clarified that she will not inherit cabinet members in Awiti’s administration if she is elected governor.
“I want Homa Bay people to trust me, that we’re going to start afresh. Treat it as propaganda that we’re going to inherit officials who worked under Awiti’s administration,” Wanga said.
Speaking when they met teachers in Kochia ward, Rangwe constituency, on Sunday, Wanga said her opponents are using the political support she is receiving from Awiti as a campaign tool to discredit her.
She said there is no likelihood of them incorporating some members of Awiti’s cabinet in her cabinet should she and Magwanga get elected.
The woman representative said her aim is to deliver services to the people of Homa Bay.
“It should be known that Wanga-Magwanga is a ticket that comprises a hard-working team with fresh ideas. We’re going to deliver and promote development in Homa Bay,” she said.
Former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero is competing against Wanga in the Homa Bay governorship race.
Kidero has anchored his campaigns on real change and transformation, saying he will improve the living standards of Homa Bay residents.
Wanga, who was accompanied by Senator Moses Kajwang and woman representative nominee Joyce Osogo, said they are planning to improve the health sector.
Health services in the county are currently paralysed due to a workers’ strike.
“Health sector is key in promoting the wellbeing of the people. I will equip our health facilities with drugs and personnel to ensure residents get uninterrupted services,” she said.
Magwanga said they will also improve agriculture, roads, education and water services to empower residents.
The former Kasipul MP urged residents not to be driven by anger.
“Please vote for us because we have good plans for developing the county,” he said.
Kajwang asked residents to support ODM candidates to strengthen the party.
Edited by A.N