Wanga: Raila’s private talks with presidents shielded counties from sabotage
By Steve Ireri, July 17, 2025Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has applauded ODM leader Raila Odinga for what she described as an unrelenting, long-standing defence of devolution, saying Kenya’s devolved system would be in a far worse state without his constant public and private intervention.
Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on Thursday, July 17, 2025, Wanga thanked him for remaining a consistent voice for counties even in moments when national attention drifted elsewhere or political winds shifted against devolved interests.
Wanga said Raila has spoken up for devolution, whether standing with many or standing alone, and that his persistence has helped keep the issue alive through changing political seasons.
She credited him with repeatedly insisting that county governments must be protected, funded, and respected as central pillars of the constitutional order.
“I want to thank my party leader, Honourable Raila Odinga, because he has been a consistent voice for devolution. Even when he is standing alone, he never stops speaking about the need to protect it,” Wanga said.
When the interviewer pointed out that Raila has maintained close relationships with two different presidents during times when devolution faced significant threats, Wanga agreed and stressed that those private engagements were just as vital as his public advocacy.
She explained that while the public often focuses on political statements made on rallies or in Parliament, many decisive moments for devolution have been shaped by behind-the-scenes conversations.
“Beyond being that public voice, he has also been a brother to two presidents, and that is when we saw attempts to claw back on devolution. His presence in those conversations mattered,” she said, underscoring that Raila’s influence extended far beyond the podium, acting as a crucial buffer whenever powerful forces threatened to weaken county governments.
Further, Wanga likened his role to a barrier standing firm when the push against devolution gathers force, describing Raila as the last line of defence when pressure mounts to roll back gains made by county governments.
According to her, the space that devolution must occupy in Kenya’s governance structure has repeatedly been defended through conversations the public never sees.
She said that when proposals arise that might weaken counties, Raila raises concern, negotiates, and reinforces constitutional guardrails to keep national government actions in check.
“I can tell you that devolution would be in a far worse position if it had not been for his voice, both publicly and privately. It is like when a strong push is coming and you have a barrier blocking it. That barrier is Raila—the last line of defence,” she added.
Wanga also urged national leaders to recognise the cumulative impact of these interventions, arguing that the strength and survival of devolution owe much to voices that insist, persist, and resist erosion.
She said continued vigilance is required and that Kenya must keep nurturing dialogue that secures devolution rather than waiting until damage is done.
“Things would have been very different without his public statements and private conversations about the space devolution must occupy.”