Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) Deputy Party Leader, Senator Cleophas Wakhungu Malalah has sharply criticized Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga for what he termed as a “reckless and hypocritical” attack on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
This came after Wanga accused Gachagua of influencing Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga’s controversial remarks about the late Raila Odinga.
Speaking in a video flanked by DCP party officials on Wednesday, Malalah said Governor Wanga’s statement was not only irresponsible but also calculated to create unnecessary tension between communities mourning the passing of the former Prime Minister.
According to Malalah, Wanga’s decision to link Gachagua to Kahiga’s comments was a “coordinated political script” designed to paint Gachagua as an enemy of the Luo community. He alleged that Wanga was acting under instruction from senior officials within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to escalate the controversy for political mileage.
“Gladys Wanga is a hypocrite who is spewing ethnic narratives on behalf of her political masters. She is under instruction from UDA top leadership to associate Gachagua with Kahiga’s remarks at all costs,” Malalah stated.
The DCP Deputy Leader further condemned Wanga’s declaration that Gachagua would not be allowed to visit Bondo to condole with the Odinga family, terming it “divisive and shameful.”
“It is unfortunate that Governor Wanga has banned Gachagua from visiting Bondo to pay his respects. That is an attempt to ignite ethnic hostilities between the Luo and Kikuyu communities — yet Raila Odinga himself was a unifying figure who loved Kikuyus to the extent of allowing his own sons to marry from that community,” Malalah added.
Malalah accused Wanga of being part of a wider plan to destabilize the Orange Democratic Party (ODM) following Raila Odinga’s death. He claimed that Wanga convened a hasty meeting to reorganize the party’s leadership before the late opposition leader’s body had even been returned from India.
“It is shocking that Governor Wanga did not give Raila Odinga the respect he deserved. Immediately after his death was announced, she rushed to organize meetings to fill his position. That shows a total lack of loyalty and respect,” Malalah said.
He also questioned Wanga’s sincerity in mourning Raila Odinga, comparing her subdued reaction to the emotional tribute she gave following the assassination of former Kasipul MP Ong’ondo Were.
“When Hon. Ong’ondo Were died, Wanga cried on live television. But when Raila Odinga passed, she was quick to play politics. That tells you everything you need to know about her motives,” he charged.
Malalah urged Kenyans to hold Wanga to the same level of accountability being demanded of Governor Kahiga, insisting that both leaders’ remarks risk polarizing the country at a time when unity is needed most.
“If Kenyans are condemning Governor Kahiga for his insensitive comments, they should equally call out Gladys Wanga for using the tragedy of Raila’s death to advance political divisions,” Malalah emphasized.
In conclusion, Senator Malalah appealed to all leaders, including those in government, to desist from dragging Gachagua’s name into every political controversy. He called for calm and unity as the nation continues to mourn Raila Odinga’s passing.
“Let us stop talking about Gachagua negatively. The time for politics will come. For now, leaders should focus on delivering services to Kenyans and preserving Raila’s legacy of unity and democracy,” he said.
Malalah’s remarks add yet another layer to the growing political tension surrounding Raila Odinga’s death, as leaders across the political divide continue to trade accusations and counter-statements.
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