A group of female Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) in Homa Bay has threatened to strip naked - in public - unless former County Assembly Speaker Julius Gaya issues an immediate apology for what they characterise as continual and disrespectful attacks on Governor Gladys Wanga.
The MCAs claim that Gaya has deliberately sullied the reputation of the governor's administration. Once close political allies with Gaya serving as one of Wanga's principal campaigners before later being elected the third Speaker of the Homa Bay County Assembly, their relationship has since deteriorated sharply.
A video clip that subsequently went viral shows Gaya addressing residents of Karachuonyo Constituency, saying, "I came here during campaigns and told you to vote for her. But I am telling the people of Karachuonyo that I am sorry. We were not supposed to elect a young woman as our governor."
The remarks have infuriated female MCAs, who vow to "teach him a lesson" if he fails to retract his words. Among the measures threatened is the culturally charged act of stripping in front of him.
In Luo tradition, a woman's public nudity in front of a man is regarded as a powerful curse, a purported mechanism to inflict misfortune upon the targeted individual. Reversing the curse often requires elaborate cleansing rituals. The MCAs insist that Gaya must publicly express regret to avert this form of wrath.
Led by nominated MCA Florence Ouma, the ward representatives declared they would mobilise women to carry out the protest if he does not apologise.
"We are ready and will mobilise more women to remove our clothes before Gaya should he refuse to apologise for his negative remarks against Governor Wanga's administration," said Ouma.
She charged that Gaya's comments embodied discrimination against female leadership. "If you cannot respect Wanga as governor, at least do so as a mother or wife. Let Gaya end his witchhunt in this county," she said.
Deputy Majority Leader Monoflorita Ondiek added that Gaya had figuratively "bitten the hand that fed him." She emphasised that Wanga was instrumental in his elevation to Speaker.
"Gaya could not have been elected as Speaker by MCAs alone; the Governor supported him, as they had worked together during campaigns," said Ondiek.
She added that it was inappropriate for Gaya to undermine Wanga's reputation. "Let Gaya stop suggesting that Governor Wanga cannot lead this county. It was his mischief that led us to consider impeaching him - though he resigned before the motion was tabled last year," she explained.
Nominated MCA Pamela Odira, who heads the women's caucus, insisted their opposition to Gaya's remarks would remain unwavering. "We will always stand firmly against Gaya's comments. He must desist if he wishes for peace," she stressed.
Lambwe MCA Sophie Salim warned that Gaya would not find peace in the county if he persisted. "Gaya has shown a lack of respect for women in this county. We will pursue him to ensure he does not enjoy peace here," Salim warned.
Nominated MCA Everline Otieno urged women to defend Wanga's leadership from those seeking to derail it. "We see a faction of men attempting to undermine the Governor. Enough is enough - all women should oppose such interference," she declared.
Nominated MCA Pauline Omogi echoed her colleagues, noting that though Wanga was elected at a young age, her performance had surpassed expectations.
The MCAs also questioned Gaya's management skills. Gaya resigned on 12 November 2024 - just before a planned impeachment motion - over concerns about his handling of assembly affairs.
Homa Bay County Assembly Majority Leader Richard Ogindo joined the fray, accusing Gaya of acting maliciously.
"Gaya is the messenger of a political faction that intends to challenge Wanga in 2027. They keep raising issues to win over Karachuonyo voters. But the people will not heed them - they are liars," Ogindo asserted.
Ogindo defended Governor Wanga's administration, pointing to tangible development achievements - the introduction of a full scholarship programme, construction of 250 ECDE classrooms (compared to just 25 when she took office), and increased bursary allocations. "Critics are wrong to label this government as underperforming," he said.