Homa Bay governor Gladys Wanga left many in attendance visibly moved on August 27, after she stepped up to the podium at a public health facility launch and openly shared that she has been battling cancer for the past 12 years. Gladys Wanga has opened up about having cancer. Photo: Governor Gladys Wanga. Source: Facebook Standing before a crowd at the outdoor event, Wanga spoke with a calm, resolute tone despite the weight of what she was revealing. She described a moment when her family members were walking through hospital corridors in tears while she herself remained composed, drawing strength from words of wisdom shared by Senator Beth Mugo.
It is not the answer,” Wanga recalled being told, words she said she has carried with her ever since. Gladys Wanga credits faith and gratitude for her survival The governor recalled being a newly elected member of parliament at the time of her diagnosis, and said she chose thanksgiving over despair. Rather than dwell on the fear of what might happen, she focused on the access to treatment her position had afforded her and expressed gratitude that she could receive proper medical care. “All I did always 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. The speech was delivered against the backdrop of a red carpet, decorative flowers, and a public health setting that made her personal testimony all the more striking. Wanga went on to connect her survival story directly to the work she intends to do for her county. Homa Bay to get cancer treatment facilities Wanga announced ambitious plans to ensure that Homa Bay residents no longer have to travel elsewhere for cancer care.
She confirmed that chemotherapy services would be among the first to be introduced, with radiotherapy to follow, and pledged that every necessary diagnostic and treatment facility would eventually be available locally. “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. Watch Gladys Wanga deliver her emotional cancer disclosure speech: Kenyans reacted with a mixture of admiration, scepticism and emotion across social media: @Thuranira Raf said: “Sorry Wanga.” @Jadiel Senior said: “Tangu akiwa MP nilijua huyu ako nayo.” @Forceswilber Haki said: “She is a cancer survivor. Over 13 years. It has never reoccurred. She has said it for many years.” @Joseph Wachira said: “Playing sympathy cards.” @Lyz Wanga Kabui said: “May God see her through.” @Joash Mwambi said: “Ni uchungu sana kumpoteza mama kama huyu; politically and physically.”
