By Ongaga Ongaga
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has confirmed the resignation of Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga, bringing to an end weeks of political tension within the county’s top leadership.
In a statement, Governor Wanga said she had formally accepted Magwanga’s resignation after receiving his letter dated February 26, in which he stepped down from office with immediate effect.
She subsequently declared the Office of the Deputy Governor vacant, effective February 26, 2026, in accordance with Article 181(1) of the Constitution and Section 32C(b) of the County Governments Act.
“I acknowledge receipt of a letter dated 26th February 2026 from the Deputy Governor tendering resignation from office with immediate effect. I have today formally accepted the said resignation,” Wanga said.
While Magwanga cited “persistent and irreconcilable differences” as the reason for his departure, the Governor pointed to deeper political undercurrents, arguing that his growing focus on future political ambitions had increasingly undermined collective responsibility within the county executive.
“It is imperative for the public to understand that a sustained preoccupation with future political ambitions increasingly compromised the collective focus required in the Office of the Deputy Governor,” she stated.
Wanga recalled that ahead of the 2022 General Election, Magwanga had been a gubernatorial aspirant but was prevailed upon by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to accept the deputy governor slot in the interest of party unity.
Upon taking office, she said, her administration fully facilitated him to discharge his constitutional mandate and further entrusted him with the additional role of County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture and Livestock Development.
“His office was fully supported during his tenure,” Wanga noted.
However, cracks within the leadership widened after Magwanga openly opposed the ODM candidate during the Kasipul parliamentary by-election, a move that raised concerns about unity of purpose and commitment to the administration’s shared mandate.
“It is also in public record that he opposed the ODM candidate in the Kasipul by-election. This decision raised legitimate concerns about the unity of purpose and commitment to our shared mandate,” the Governor said.
Earlier reports published by the Kisii Press Club highlighted escalating political differences between the Deputy Governor and the county leadership, with insiders pointing to strained relations and shifting alliances within Homa Bay politics.
Despite the resignation, Governor Wanga sought to reassure residents that county operations would not be disrupted.
“County Government operations will proceed seamlessly. Service delivery remains uninterrupted, and the vacancy in the Office of the Deputy Governor will be addressed in accordance with the law,” she said.
She thanked Magwanga for his service to the people of Homa Bay County and wished him well in his future endeavours, as attention now shifts to the political implications of his exit and the process of filling the vacancy.