Hundreds of women chanting their support for a top government official brought parts of Kisumu's city centre to a standstill on Tuesday, a vivid display of a simmering political battle. The demonstration saw women from informal settlements like Nyalenda, Manyatta, and Obunga march along Oginga Odinga Street, demanding that Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga "leave PS Omollo alone."

This public outcry is the latest repercussion from the fiercely contested Kasipul parliamentary by-election. The core of the dispute lies in accusations by Governor Wanga, a staunch ODM loyalist and the party's national chairperson, that Interior PS Raymond Omollo, an appointee of the national government, covertly supported an independent candidate against the party's choice.

By-Election Fallout Fuels Tensions

The by-election, held on November 27, saw ODM's Boyd Were clinch the seat with 16,819 votes, succeeding his late father. However, the strong showing by independent candidate Philip Aroko, who garnered 8,476 votes, has been interpreted as a challenge to ODM's dominance in the region. Sources allege that Aroko received backing from PS Omollo and his allies, a claim that fuels the current conflict.

The political consequences have been swift. In a move seen as a direct response to the by-election dynamics, Governor Wanga recently stripped her deputy, Oyugi Magwanga, of his portfolio as the County Executive for Agriculture. Magwanga had openly defied the party line to support Aroko.

A Battle for Nyanza's Future

The protest underscores a larger struggle for political influence in the Nyanza region, a traditional opposition stronghold. PS Omollo has been actively promoting the national government's development agenda in the area, focusing on infrastructure projects like roads and fish landing sites. His supporters, like the women who marched on Tuesday, view his work as beneficial community development.

Governor Wanga and her allies, however, perceive these moves as an attempt by the ruling administration to undermine ODM's authority. As the party's national chairperson, Wanga has been firm that government operatives should not interfere in what she considers internal party affairs.

As the political lines are drawn, the confrontation between two of the most powerful figures from the region is set to define Nyanza's political landscape, leaving citizens to watch whether the rivalry will spur development or deepen divisions.