Tensions are escalating within the ODM party in Muhoroni following a public fallout between area MP Onyango Koyoo and Homa Bay Governor and ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga, raising concerns over internal divisions ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The dispute surfaced during a Full Gospel Churches of Kenya thanksgiving ceremony on Sunday, an event critics allege was used as a political platform to introduce Wanga’s brother, Robert Nyasuna, as a preferred candidate for the Muhoroni parliamentary seat.
Koyoo has strongly opposed the move, terming it a breach of party procedure and an attempt to sideline established leadership.
He claimed he was excluded from the event’s planning, contrary to protocol that requires the involvement of the area MP in constituency functions.
“I was sidelined and only received a last-minute invitation,” Koyoo said, adding that he had prior commitments at a family funeral in Homa Bay County.
The MP also accused the governor of appearing at the event with individuals he described as unrecognized grassroots officials aligned to her brother, instead of legitimate ODM delegates from Muhoroni.
In a sharp escalation of his criticism, Koyoo accused Wanga of attempting to build a political dynasty.
“She wants to build a ‘Nyasuna’ dynasty after the death of Raila Odinga.
She has unnecessary speed and endless political games. If the Luo community is not careful, our downfall will come from Gladys Wanga,” he said.
Koyoo further questioned Wanga’s loyalty to the party, accusing her of having excessive political ambition.
“She is not a loyal party member and has too much appetite for power, which could plunge the community into a crisis. This must be stopped,” he added.
He insisted that as ODM chairperson, Wanga must remain neutral and uphold fairness within the party.
“She must be impartial. Kenyans are not fools anymore you cannot mislead people all the time,” Koyoo said.
Despite the tensions, Koyoo downplayed any personal political threat from Nyasuna’s bid.
“His candidature does not give me sleepless nights. I have been in politics long enough, and these attempts to impose candidates are not new to the people,” he said.
Governor Wanga, who attended the event alongside several ODM leaders, maintained that the party remains united and focused on victory in the 2027 elections.
She called on members to remain loyal to the party leadership and emphasized the importance of unity, even as her remarks drew mixed reactions from local officials.
Her presence has since sparked criticism among grassroots leaders, some of whom accuse national figures of interfering with local party affairs.
The allegations have also emerged of attempts to influence internal processes, including claims of parallel delegate lists ahead of recent party activities.
Muhoroni ODM branch officials have warned that such actions risk undermining internal democracy and weakening the party’s cohesion at a critical political moment.
Residents have also called for calm and unity, urging leaders to avoid divisive politics.
“We want peace and unity, not leadership battles driven by personal interests,” said a local resident in Chemelil.
As tensions continue to rise, grassroots leaders insist they will resist any attempts to impose candidates, maintaining that voters will ultimately determine their preferred leadership.
Nyasuna has confirmed his intention to vie for the Muhoroni parliamentary seat, dismissing claims that he is being fronted by his sister.
The unfolding dispute now threatens to deepen divisions within ODM at a time when party unity is seen as crucial to its future political strength.
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