HOMA BAY, Kenya — Governor Gladys Wanga has strongly condemned a recent spate of alleged police brutality and killings, warning that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will not stand behind a government that silences citizens with force.
Speaking from Homa Bay, Wanga delivered a clear message: “Enough is enough.” Her words came amid growing unrest over the death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang, who died shortly after being arrested at his home.
Ojwang’s alleged offence? A critical post on social media targeting the now-resigned Deputy Inspector General of Police, Eliud Lagat.
“We are seeing the same story repeat itself citizens targeted, beaten, and killed. ODM cannot and will not condone such acts,” said Wanga, who also serves as the party’s national chairperson.
The governor’s statement follows a series of disturbing events that have rocked communities in Homa Bay County and beyond.
Among them is the case of Philip Oketch, reportedly shot during a protest, and Gabriel Mwita Chacha, who was allegedly assaulted by police on Ringiti Island.
Another troubling death is that of Omondi Onditi, a fisherman who reportedly died by suicide while in custody at Kipasi Police Post in Mbita. Wanga questioned the official narrative and said a post-mortem would be key to revealing the truth.
“We stand with Omondi’s family. What happened in that cell must come to light. The truth must come out,” she told reporters.
The rising toll of police-involved deaths has ignited national protests and calls for police reform. Demonstrators have demanded justice not just for Ojwang, but for many others whose names rarely make headlines.
The Law Society of Kenya, human rights groups, and international observers including the UK High Commission have joined the growing chorus condemning police violence and calling for independent investigations.
Wanga called on the Kenya Police Service to face the growing anger head-on. “We demand the prosecution of all officers involved including those who gave the orders,” she said. “This culture of silence and fear must end.”
The timing of Wanga’s statement is particularly significant. ODM is currently in a delicate working arrangement with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), under a bipartisan framework.
But the governor was blunt. “Our cooperation with government does not mean we’ve lost our moral compass. We do not support unlawful killings or political repression. That’s the line,” she said.
The pressure is now on the national government to act not just with words, but with clear steps to investigate, punish, and prevent further abuse.
Whether the system listens, however, remains uncertain. For now, families like the Ojwangs and Onditis wait, hoping for answers and the justice long denied to many others.
