The Gladys Wanga heckled incident unfolded in Ahero town, Kisumu County, turning a political address into a drama. ODM Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, alongside Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko, faced loud interruptions from a restless crowd. Youths drowned out their speeches with nonstop chants of Babu Babu, showing clear preference for Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.
The gathering took place under overcast skies with hundreds packed tight in the open area. Speakers stood on a raised platform attached to a truck while the audience stretched out, holding umbrellas against possible rain.
Many wore purple shirts linked to ODM colours, but the mood shifted fast when Wanga and Ayacko tried to speak. Boos mixed with rhythmic calls for Babu Owino, making it impossible for the governors to continue smoothly.
Video footage captured the intensity. One clip shows a figure in bright clothing, likely Wanga, holding the microphone as waves of noise rise from below. Hands shoot up across the crowd signalling rejection.
From another position in the crowd, you can see people smiling and raising their arms as the chanting gets louder. The energy was high, and locals spoke up without hesitation.
Wanga has toured parts of Luo Nyanza recently, pushing messages of unity behind the current broad-based government setup that includes ODM leaders.
President William Ruto appointed several party figures to cabinet roles, creating mixed feelings in the region’s traditional stronghold. Some residents welcome the cooperation, seeing it as a way to bring development home. Others resist viewing it as a compromise on core principles.
The Ahero stop tried it out, and the response spoke a lot. Chants for Babu Owino showed how younger, more aggressive voices in the community are pulling people in.
The MP has garnered popularity because he speaks out and directly addresses issues that affect young people. His name being shouted by the crowd showed that people were changing their loyalties, which surprised the visiting leaders.
Social media picked up the moments immediately. Short videos spread across X and WhatsApp groups with users pointing out the tough reception in what should be friendly territory.
Some posts joked about the ground being too hot for certain messages. Others analysed it as a sign of deeper frustrations over economic pressures and political direction.
Wanga kept her composure on stage, trying to push through the noise at times. Ayacko faced similar treatment as the pair alternated speaking.
Security stayed close, but the disruption remained verbal with no reports of violence. The event wrapped earlier than planned, leaving the governors to depart amid the ongoing chants.
This fits into recent patterns across opposition zones. Similar crowds have shown resistance to leaders seen as too close to the national government.
Young people, in particular, want accountability and change instead of accommodation. Babu Owino and other people like Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna get energy from that feeling and organise big events that challenge the current quo.
People in the area have different opinions, as usual. People who support the coalition say it gives people real benefits, like money for infrastructure and jobs.
Critics say that the primary pledges about jobs and the cost of living have not been kept. The heckling in Ahero made those disputes louder and put Wanga in the spotlight as a critical link between the party and the administration.
People are still reacting online. Hashtags combine funny and serious thoughts on politics in Nyanza. One clip focused in on people laughing, which showed the funnier side of the rejection. Another one focused on the speakers’ faces, which showed how hard it was at the time.
Wanga’s extensive connections in Homa Bay and abroad have helped her build her profession. As the chair of ODM, she has a lot of say in national discussions. Things like this test that power by showing that there are pockets of discontent even in home communities.
The bigger picture moving toward 2027 demonstrates that things are changing. People will look at alliances made today tomorrow. Young people are getting louder and asking for representatives who will act quickly. Chants in small villages like Ahero make that need very plain.
For now the clips continue circulating. Phones pass them around in matatus and offices, sparking quick debates. Wanga and her team likely review the feedback and plan next steps carefully. The message from the crowd came through loud and clear, with Babu Owino’s name carrying the day.
Political tours aim to build support but sometimes reveal gaps instead. In Ahero, the Gladys Wanga heckled moment did exactly that, highlighting tensions that will shape conversations across Luo Nyanza for weeks to come.
