Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga Faces Legal Scrutiny Over Chief of Staff Dismissal and Whereabouts Amid Affair Claims

In a dramatic escalation of what began as salacious rumors, Homa Bay County Governor H.E. Gladys Wanga now faces serious legal action regarding the dismissal and mysterious whereabouts of her former Chief of Staff, Charles Odhiambo.

According to documents obtained by Kenya Insights, Seko Minayo & Company Advocates LLP has filed a formal request for information under Article 35 of the Constitution and Section 4 of the Access to Information Act on behalf of former UDA strategist Hon. Kennedy Ondiek.

The legal demand comes after Odhiambo was abruptly dismissed on March 28, 2025, followed by a controversial reassignment of his duties to Hon. Roselynn Omollah, CECM for Governance, Administration, Communication, and Devolution.

Mysterious Disappearance Fuels Speculation

The demand letter, dated April 22, 2025, pointedly requests “the current status and whereabouts of Mr. Charles Odhiambo,” suggesting that the former Chief of Staff’s location is currently unknown.

This development has intensified earlier rumors that circulated in March claiming Odhiambo had been allegedly attacked and hospitalized.

Those claims, which the Governor had previously dismissed as “politically motivated propaganda” suggested that the Governor’s husband had orchestrated an assault on Odhiambo over suspicions of an inappropriate relationship between the Governor and her Chief of Staff.

Constitutional Violations Alleged

The law firm argues that Odhiambo’s dismissal and subsequent reassignment of duties “exceeds the constitutional and statutory powers of the County Secretary under Sections 44 and 45 of the County Governments Act, 2012.”

The firm further contend that these actions have “created a cloud of uncertainty and administrative instability within the County Executive.”

In the termination letter signed by Governor Wanga herself, she cited “gross misconduct, unethical conduct and/or insubordination” as grounds for dismissal, claiming Odhiambo’s actions had “brought disrepute and dishonour not only to your office, but most regrettably to the County Government of Homa Bay.”

Seven-Day Ultimatum

The legal team has given Governor Wanga seven days to provide detailed information on:

– Odhiambo’s current status and whereabouts
– Specific reasons for his dismissal
– Whether due process was followed
– Compliance with county employment policies
– Authentication of the dismissal letter
– Legality of reassigning Chief of Staff duties
– Measures to ensure continuity and stability

Failure to respond adequately could result in legal proceedings “at your risk as to costs and other consequences ensuing therefrom,” the letter warns.

From Radio Personality to Political Controversy

Sources indicate that Odhiambo, a former presenter at Ramogi Radio under Royal Media Services, was personally recruited by Governor Wanga to serve as her Chief of Staff.

His sudden dismissal and subsequent disappearance from public view have fueled intense speculation throughout the county.

When contacted, the Governor’s office declined to comment on “ongoing legal matters,” but an insider speaking on condition of anonymity described the situation as “politically motivated character assassination designed to undermine the first female governor of Homa Bay County.”

The affair has left county residents divided, with some questioning the administration’s transparency and others defending the Governor against what they see as gendered attacks on female leadership.

As the seven-day deadline approaches, all eyes remain on the Governor’s office, with many wondering whether this will merely add another chapter to Kenya’s rich political drama or signal a genuine constitutional crisis for Homa Bay County.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​