Africa-Press – Kenya. Political rivalries between Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and ODM national chairman John Mbadi have re-emerged after they engaged in a verbal exchange.
The war of words began on Wednesday when Mbadi attended a funeral at his rural home in Gwassi South in Suba South constituency. At the funeral, Mbadi claimed that Wanga is not effectively delivering services to the people of Homa Bay as she had promised during the campaigns.
He argued that some elected leaders including Wanga were given direct tickets undermining him despite being the party chairman. He accused Wanga of becoming the first governor planning to reduce the salaries of ECD teachers.
The salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) had proposed a reduction of ECDE teachers’ salaries. Mbadi argued the implementation will plunge many Homa Bay ECDE teachers into financial tribulations. He threatened to hold a demonstration if the ECDE teachers’ salaries are slashed.
“I knew Wanga would fail the people of Homa Bay because she doesn’t have a development track record. She didn’t want to face me in the party primaries and that’s why she hurriedly went for the direct ticket,” Mbadi said.
The national chairman regretted campaigning for Wanga and some MCAs in the county whom he claimed don’t respect him. “If they think there are benefits to being an ODM chairman then I’m ready to resign so they can take over. I also want to be free,” he said.
But speaking during swearing in of the Homa Bay Revenue Board and some members of the county public service board on Thursday, Wanga dared Mbadi to resign.
Wanga asked Mbadi to stop issuing threats and resign as the ODM national chairman immediately. “Let him resign honorably instead of issuing the threats. We know the problems and obstacles you’ve caused the party,” Wanga said.
The governor also revealed that Mbadi has been telling her to prepare for an abrasive political duel in the 2027 gubernatorial election. “There is no day I will fear facing you and even in the 2027 polls I will defeat you,” she said.
Wanga said Mbadi’s behaviour has dented the image and caused a hemorrhage in the party. She claimed that ODM had deteriorated during Mbadi’s nine years as the party’s national chairman.
Wanga told Mbadi to face her directly instead of tainting her name in funerals, she also said she is ready to face him in the 2027 gubernatorial contest.
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