The attempted assassination of Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga on May 11, 2025, near his rural home in Kabuor Village, Kasipul Constituency, has exposed deep cracks within Homa Bay County’s leadership. What was expected to be a moment of unity against political violence has instead revealed a worrying pattern of silence and suspicion, especially from Governor Gladys Wanga’s team. Magwanga’s group described the incident as a targeted assassination attempt, yet the reaction from Wanga’s allies has been lukewarm at best and dismissive at worst.
In a post shared by Newton Kapiyo, concerns were raised about how Wanga’s camp seems to be downplaying or outright rubbishing the incident involving the deputy governor.
Despite an official statement from Governor Wanga calling for calm and a swift investigation, her team has yet to issue a strong public stance supporting Magwanga’s claim. This silence has sparked serious concerns, particularly because Magwanga is a sidelined figure in the county’s political circles, often seen as out of favour with Wanga’s inner team.
Homa Bay County Governor Gladys Wanga speaking on August 18, 2024. PHOTO/@gladyswanga/X
The timing of the attack, just days after the assassination of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were, a close ally of Wanga, cannot be ignored. Were’s murder in Nairobi was condemned strongly by Wanga, who used the moment to hit out at the national government and its failure to protect leaders.
Yet, when it came to Magwanga’s case, her team’s tone was noticeably muted. Instead of offering public solidarity, some have chosen to question the credibility of the incident.
But Magwanga’s team insists a shot was aimed directly at the vehicle, and that it was only by luck that the deputy governor changed his route.
The issue is not just about what was said but what hasn’t been said. By avoiding direct engagement with the claims made by Magwanga’s team and instead echoing the police version, Wanga’s allies appear to be casting doubt on their own deputy’s account.
This approach sends the wrong message to residents and paints the leadership as divided and selective when responding to security threats. It is even more concerning given the tense environment in the region, with two high-profile leaders allegedly targeted in a span of weeks.
Magwanga’s failure to attend Were’s burial and his return of Wanga’s financial contribution have deepened suspicions that there is more than just political differences at play.
Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga. (Standard).
If the assassination attempt on a sitting deputy governor can be met with silence and skepticism from his own government, what message does that send to the rest of the county?
Gladys Wanga must come out clearly and condemn any act that threatens the lives of elected leaders, regardless of internal conflicts. Her team’s silence and reluctance to firmly support Magwanga raise serious questions about whether they are truly committed to peace and justice or only act when it suits their political interests.
