By KPC Reporter
Joseph Oyugi Magwanga has resigned as the Deputy Governor of Homa Bay County, citing sustained frustrations and “deliberate actions by the county leadership that rendered his office inoperative.”
In a statement announcing his exit, Magwanga said he had resolved to vacate office with immediate effect following deep reflection and consultations with political leaders, supporters, and his family.
Magwanga has not been in good terms with his boss, Gladys Wanga for months now, and the stalemate has previously punctuated conversations in public spaces and news headlines.
“Following our electoral victory, I was sworn in with a solemn commitment to serve the people of Homa Bay County faithfully, diligently and in full obedience to the Constitution of Kenya,” Magwanga said, adding that he had discharged his duties with integrity and loyalty since taking office alongside Governor Wanga after their 2022 election win.
However, Magwanga said his working relationship with the county administration deteriorated sharply in December 2025 when he was denied access to his official office after the locks were changed without any formal communication.
“I was compelled to proceed on early annual leave involuntarily, yet even after the leave elapsed in January 2026, the offices remained locked, making it impossible for me to resume my duties,” he said.
He further claimed that while on official duty in Nairobi, the vehicle assigned to his office was repossessed without prior notice, leaving him with only one other vehicle, which he said was unserviceable.
“These actions effectively rendered my office functionally inoperative and made it impossible for me to serve the people effectively,” Magwanga remarked.
The growing political rift between Magwanga and Wanga became public during the Kasipul parliamentary by-election in November 2025, held following the death of Ong’ondo Were.
The two fell out after backing rival candidates in the contest.
While the governor supported Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) candidate Boyd Were, Magwanga openly defied the party line and campaigned for independent contender Philip Aroko.
The by-election exposed deep divisions within the county leadership and marked a turning point in what had previously been a cordial working relationship, forged with the involvement of the late former Prime Minister and ODM party leader Raila Odinga.
Looking ahead, Magwanga has declared interest in contesting the Homa Bay gubernatorial seat in the 2027 General Election, a move that is expected to set up a high-stakes contest against the incumbent governor.