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12 years later I am here! Gladys Wanga shares her battle with cancer in emotional speech
28th August, 2026 09:48 AM
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has opened up about her cancer journey, revealing that she has been battling the disease for the past 12 years.
Wanga made the emotional disclosure while speaking during the commissioning of the Phoebe Asiyo Oncology Center at Homa Bay County Teaching and Referral Hospital (HBCTRH) in Homa Bay on Thursday, August 27, 2026, where she reflected on the moment she informed her family about her diagnosis and the difficult journey that followed.
“I told my family members I have cancer, and they started crying all over, but I was not crying,” Wanga said.
The governor recalled receiving words of encouragement from the nominated senator Beth Mugo, which helped her remain mentally strong during the difficult period.
“Senator Beth Mugo told me one thing: It is your mind that is going to kill you. It is not the cancer,” she said.
Wanga said that at the time of her diagnosis, she was serving in Parliament and chose to focus on thanking God for the opportunity to access treatment.
“And what I said is just to thank God; that time I was in parliament and said, ‘Let me thank God because I had the opportunity to get treatment in the same way I have as a member of parliament,” she said.
The governor said gratitude became an important part of her journey as she continued with treatment.
“All I always did was just to thank God. And in thanksgiving, 12 years later, I am here. I am not going anywhere,” she said, her voice steady and resolute.
Cancer treatment facilities in Homa Bay
Wanga also connected her personal experience with her vision for improving cancer care in Homa Bay.
“It is people who are going to come here to get treated. It is not us,” she declared, drawing an emotional parallel between her own journey and the future she envisions for patients in her county.
Her remarks came as she spoke about plans to expand cancer treatment services in Homa Bay, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, so that residents can access care closer to home.
Wanga’s disclosure marked a deeply personal moment as she reflected on a 12-year journey that she said she faced with faith, gratitude, and determination.
Phoebe Asiyo Oncology Center
Wanga said the Phoebe Asiyo Oncology Center would bring comprehensive cancer care closer to patients in Homa Bay and the wider region.
She said the facility is expected to reduce external referrals by more than 90%, while partnerships with key health organisations would strengthen cancer treatment and give patients greater hope.
“The commissioning of the Phoebe Asiyo Oncology Center at Homa Bay County Teaching and Referral Hospital (HBCTRH) sets a foundation for the cancer care journey for patients across the region, bringing high-quality, comprehensive and dignified cancer services closer to home,” Wanga said.
“From community screening and sample collection to proper diagnostics, confirmatory testing, specialist consultations, treatment, admissions, counselling and psychosocial support, and palliative care, this centre will provide end-to-end continuum of cancer care to patients closer to their families and support systems and is expected to reduce the need for external referrals by more than 90%.”
“The invaluable partnership with Aga Khan Hospital and Foundation, French Development Agency (AFD),, the Gates Foundation and the National Cancer Institute has ensured that together, we can ensure cancer patients from the region have a real chance of looking ahead with optimism.”
