By Bonface Mulyungi

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has written an emotional open letter to Siaya Governor James Orengo, saying remarks he recently made about her caused pain and humiliation while raising broader concerns about the treatment of women in leadership.

In the lengthy statement released on Thursday, Wanga said she was speaking in her personal capacity and not as Homa Bay Governor or chairperson of the Orange Democratic Movement.

The governor described Orengo as a respected senior leader whom many younger politicians have looked up to for guidance and inspiration over the years.

“I have always held you in immense respect. To many of us who entered public life after your generation, you have represented courage, conviction and the possibility of principled leadership,” Wanga wrote.

She said she initially chose silence because she believes not every disagreement requires a public confrontation, but noted that some moments demand reflection because of the message they send beyond politics.

According to Wanga, the remarks hurt her because they came from someone she regarded as an elder and father figure.

“You have been around for a long time, and I have personally regarded you with the esteem one reserves for an elder and, in many ways, with the affection and deference one would extend to a father figure,” she wrote.

The Homa Bay governor said the comments went beyond ordinary political criticism and reflected challenges many women continue to face in leadership spaces.

“When remarks directed at a woman carry undertones that diminish, ridicule or reduce her because of her gender, age or place in public life, they travel far beyond their immediate target,” she said.

“They become an echo familiar to millions of women and girls who have endured various forms of gender-based violence, exclusion, intimidation and dismissal in workplaces, homes and public spaces.”

Wanga argued that women leaders are often subjected to insults and attacks that men in similar positions rarely experience.

She said comments made by respected leaders have the power to shape attitudes in society and influence how women are perceived and treated in public life.

“Many women are told to speak more softly, lead smaller, occupy less space, or defer — not because they are wrong, but because they are women,” she said.

Wanga further stated that leadership should not come at the expense of another person’s dignity and humanity.

“I write in the hope that moments such as these can remind us all, especially those of us privileged to be in leadership, that strength and dignity are never diminished by kindness,” she said.

Despite expressing disappointment, Wanga maintained a conciliatory tone throughout the letter and avoided escalating the matter into a prolonged political confrontation.

She said she still respects Orengo as a senior leader whose contribution to Kenya’s public life deserves honour.

“I therefore choose forgiveness,” Wanga stated.

The governor added that she remained open to dialogue and collaboration on issues affecting the community and the country.

“More importantly, I choose to leave the door open for engagement, dialogue and collaboration on matters that uplift our people and propel our community forward,” she wrote.