- Reports had earlier indicated that Homa Bay County Chief of Staff Charles Odhiambo had been hospitalized after being attacked by goons over his alleged affair with Governor Gladys Wanga.
- However, Governor Wanga dismissed the reports as baseless propaganda.
- Odhiambo has now been relieved of his duties with effect from Friday, March 28, 2025.
Homa Bay County Governor Gladys Wanga has fired her chief of staff, Charles Odhiambo, days after she dismissed claims of an alleged affair with him as baseless propaganda.
In a letter dated March 28, 2025, that has been seen by Daily Trends, Governor Wanga accuses Odhiambo of gross misconduct, unethical conduct, and/or insubordination, that she says had brought disrepute and dishonour not only to his office, but most regrettably to the County Government of Homa Bay the Office of the Governor.
According to the letter, the termination of the contract takes effect immediately.
“The contract of your employment Ref. No. HB/PSB/APP 2022/90/VOL1/1 dated 22nd Novemzier 2022, obligates you to uphold the Constitution of Kenya, the Leadership and integrity Act and the Public Service Code of Conduct. In specific terms is provided in your Contract that af all times without equivocation you are to uphold values and principles of good governance of the public service set out at Article 232 of the Constitution, that you hold your office in public trust in accordance with Article 73(1)(2) and (iv) of the Constitution in a manner that brings honour to the nation and dignity to the office and promotes public confidence in the integrity of the office, and lastly that you will uphold the Code of Ethics set out in the Leadership and Integrity Act,” the letter read in part.
“I take great exception to the fact that your recent conduct, through your acts of commission and/or omission amounting to gross misconduct, unethical conduct, and/or insubordination, has brought disrepute and dishonour not only to your office but most regrettably to the County Government of Homa Bay and notably the Office of the Governor, in which you serve as Chief of Staff. In the circumstances, your continued service as my Chief of Staff is no longer tenable, and your contract of employment is hereby terminated with effect from the date of this letter.”
Wanga further notes that Odhiambo would be paid up to the date of his contract’s termination, one month’s salary in lieu of notice and accrued gratuity.
“In accordance with your Contract of Employment you will be paid your salary up to the date of termination, one month’s salary in lieu of notice and accrued gratuity. Your final dues will be processed in accordance with the Public Service Human Resource Manual,” Governor Wanga stated.
Gladys Wanga denies affair with Odhiambo
This comes days after Wanga dismissed claims of an alleged affair with Odhiambo as baseless propaganda.
In a statement on Monday, March 17, Wanga while in New York, brushed off the allegations and reaffirmed her focus on official duties.
“Chilly morning here in New York as we wind up our week-long meetings at the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). Stop the propaganda. Fortunately, I’m battle-hardened, focused, and undeterred. Blessed week ahead,” she stated.
Wanga spoke after reports went viral on social media that Odhiambo had been hospitalised after being attacked by goons allegedly sent by her husband.
Odhiambo on having affair with Gladys Wanga
At the same time, Odhiambo refuted claims that he was hospitalized in the ICU after being attacked by goons.
Speaking during an interview on Ramogi TV, the journalist clarified that he was doing okay and was going on with his work.
Odhiambo reiterated that he had never been attacked with acid as had been alleged in reports circulating on social media.
“What is being said about me has just shocked me. Some people are saying that I have died. Other people are saying that I am in the ICU after being attacked.”
“As I speak, do I look like someone who has been injured? I have seen people write negative things about a man who cannot even hurt someone… I want to confirm that I am okay,” he said.
On the other hand, Odhiambo expressed that the fake reports were part of a political scheme.
He maintained that the county government, under the leadership of Wanga had made remarkable milestones in service delivery, making her political detractors unhappy.
“The things we have done are what is making some people unhappy. They have to look for ways to attack people so that their attention can be diverted. That is how things are,” Odhiambo said.
