Women leaders in Homa Bay County have proposed Governor Gladys Wanga to become the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) deputy party leader.

Speaking during an event on Sunday, August 4, 2024, the leaders noted that making governor Wanga the next ODM deputy party leader will help achieve two thirds gender rule in the party.

The appeal comes after the resignation  of former deputy party leaders Hassan Joho (former Mombasa governor) and Wycliffe Oparanya (former Kakamega governor) who were nominated as cabinet secretaries by President William Ruto.

The women leaders urged the party leadership to support Wanga in becoming the deputy ODM party leader regardless of the method they are going to use in filling the vacant positions.

Led by the Chairperson of ODM Women League in Homa Bay County Peres Ogutu, Rangwe Constituency chairperson Caroline Owidhi and ODM MCAs led by Joan Ogada, they appealed to ODM leader Raila Odinga to consider Wanga for the position.

Ogutu said Wanga had shown the desired leadership skills during her tenure as the ODM chairperson in Homa Bay County. 

They expressed optimism that Wanga can perform well as the deputy leader of ODM, after serving as the party chairperson in Homa Bay County.

Governor Gladys Wanga will be competing against Kisii County governor Simba Arati for the same position.