Gladys Wanga aims veiled jab at Sifuna for threatening to quit ODM
By Luke Oluoch, August 6, 2025Home Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has aimed a veiled dig at Orange Democratic Movement Secretary General Edwin Sifuna over his recent warning to ditch the party.
Wanga, while commenting on the need to support women seeking elective positions, registered her concerns with Sifuna’s warning of resignation, joking that the Nairobi senator’s resignation would derail the course, based on his self-proclaimed status as a defender of women.
The senator warned of potentially leaving the ODM party if they endorse President William Ruto’s re-election in the 2027 polls during a political meeting in Saboti, Trans-Nzoia County, on August 3, 2025.
“As women leaders to make Mama proud, we must hold the hands of more and bring women leaders to these positions.
“We were G7, and we are still G7 minus one. We promised to move upwards only, so we can’t be G6; we can only be G7 and above. Sifuna, you said you’re the he for the she. The only thing I was afraid of was you talking about resignation, while you are the champions for women, so I was wondering how it is going to happen,” Wanga jeered while addressing a gathering during Phoebe Asiyo’s memorial on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, in Homa Bay.
The governor, who is also the party’s national chairperson, further opined that concerted efforts need to be made to realise the dream of more women in leadership.
“We want to have elected MCAs; we realise it happened in the past by holding hands and mentorship. As national chair of ODM, I have a responsibility to join hands with SG and ensure many women are elected,” she added.
Her comments come after Sifuna doubled down on his calls to leave the party if his convictions and personal values are at odds with the party.
“I assure ODM supporters that my stance remains. Raila himself has said that this is a democratic party and any member is free to speak their mind. Yet some thugs claim I cannot hold independent views simply because I’m secretary-general,” he stated.
The Nairobi senator insisted that loyalty to the party should never compromise an individual’s principles.
“The day ODM says they will support Kasongo (Ruto) that day I will not be involved. I will not be in that,” he reiterated.