How Gladys Wanga has rejected flashy Governor perks opting for a simple life
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga seems to have opted out of the flashy privileges and trapping that come with the highest post in county government.
She is yet to adapt to a life where she enjoys privileges. The governor has adopted a simple life like other ordinary residents.
Despite being the most prominent person in her county, the county chief enjoys mingling with different groups, which most politicians will only do during campaigns.
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This has made youths in Homa Bay enjoy taking selfies with her as she has made herself more accessible than other politicians in the county.
The governor said she is not interested in material stuff. Rather, she wants residents of her county to enjoy the fruits of devolution, which she said her government is committed to delivering.
According to Ms Wanga, she has the privilege of getting some of the things other county chiefs enjoy.
“Some of the things that other people have are not a priority to me. My concern is to see residents living a good life,” she said.
An example of the luxurious material she said she does not want is being driven around in a car with a siren.
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Other prominent personalities in the country, including cabinet secretaries and some governors, enjoy riding in a dramatic motorcade with sirens, sometimes inconveniencing other motorists and pedestrians. They do this to ensure they reach their destination in time.
Ms Wanga said she is not interested in sirens and multiple cars in front of her vehicle like other politicians do.
“I am still using the car that I owned when serving as a woman representative. There is nothing that has changed in me,” she said.
The private vehicle she refers to had its number plate changed to GVN 043 to distinguish it as the official car of the county chief.
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Her convoy usually has at least two vehicles when she is not accompanied by her deputy Oyugi Magwanga.
Ms Wanga has yet to get used to the protocols that come with the prestigious position. For instance, when she enters a room, people stand out of respect for her position or when she gets up to address a meeting.
At different events in the county, she has found herself in an awkward situation when she tells other people not to follow some of the “rules” set by her predecessor Cyprian Awiti.
When Mr Awiti got into office, most of the ongoing activities would be at a standstill for a few minutes as he entered the office.
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Ms Wanga has been telling people in meetings not to be strict on following the “rules”.
In addition to this Ms Wanga has no plans to build an ostentatious mansion. She is comfortable commuting to work daily from her home in Kochia.
In other counties, governors have plans or are already putting up official residences.
In Homa Bay, the governor uses a residence that was used by former governor Cyprian Awiti.
It is a two-bedroomed house that a civil servant in the county once occupied.
Ms Wanga uses the house to hold meetings.
She met boda boda riders at the residence on Thursday, saying her goal is to empower the low class.
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