Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga Reveals 12-Year Cancer Battle
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has revealed that she has been living with cancer for the past 12 years, sharing her experience publicly while announcing plans to expand cancer-treatment services in the Kenyan county.
Wanga made the disclosure on August 27 while speaking at the launch of a public health facility.
She recalled the period when she was diagnosed, describing how members of her family struggled emotionally as they accompanied her through hospital corridors.
Wanga said she remained composed after receiving advice from Senator Beth Mugo, who encouraged her not to allow fear to overwhelm her.
“It is your mind that is going to kill you. It is not the answer,” Wanga recalled Mugo telling her.
Wanga Credits Faith And Gratitude
Wanga said she was a newly elected member of Parliament when she received her diagnosis and chose to focus on gratitude and access to medical treatment rather than despair.
She said she repeatedly gave thanks to God throughout her treatment.
“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.
The governor used her personal experience to highlight the importance of accessible cancer care and to explain her plans for improving treatment services in Homa Bay.
Homa Bay Plans Expanded Cancer Services
Wanga said the county would introduce chemotherapy services as part of efforts to ensure residents can receive cancer treatment closer to home.
She said radiotherapy services would follow, with the broader aim of establishing the diagnostic and treatment facilities needed to provide comprehensive cancer care within the county.
“It is people who are going to come here to get treated. It is not us,” she said.
Her announcement links her personal experience of seeking cancer treatment outside the county with her stated objective of reducing the need for Homa Bay residents to travel elsewhere for care.
The plans are intended to expand local access to cancer diagnosis and treatment and form part of the county’s wider public-health development programme.
