Homa Bay politics has taken a sharp turn after Deputy Governor Joseph Oyugi Magwanga walked away from office, laying blame squarely on Governor Gladys Wanga and her style of leadership. His resignation has not only exposed cracks within the county government but also raised fresh questions about how the governor handles dissent and internal competition.
Magwanga said he reached his decision after “deep reflection and consultations with leaders, supporters, and my family,” and announced that he was stepping down with immediate effect. He described months of frustration and what he called deliberate efforts to frustrate his work. According to him, the problems became open in December 2025 when he was locked out of his office after the locks were changed without any formal communication.
“When my leave lapsed in January 2026, I remained locked out and unable to resume my official duties,” he said.
He added that he had been pushed to take early leave against his will. While carrying out official work in Nairobi, the vehicle assigned to his office was also repossessed without notice. The only other vehicle linked to his office is said to be grounded, and he claims he was not given fuel or other support to operate.
“These actions have rendered the Office of the Deputy Governor functionally inoperative and have made it impossible for me to serve effectively,” he stated.
File Courtesy/The Standard.
His words paint a picture of a governor more focused on control and public relations than on teamwork and service delivery.
Critics of Governor Wanga have long accused her administration of sidelining those who do not fall in line. Magwanga’s exit now gives weight to claims that the county leadership has grown intolerant and dismissive of internal criticism.
“I firmly believe that public office is a sacred trust. I cannot, in good conscience, continue to earn a salary funded by the taxpayers of Homa Bay County while being deliberately prevented from performing the work they elected me to do. Leadership must be anchored in respect for institutions, constitutionalism, and mutual trust,” he said.
The fallout comes just weeks after Magwanga declared his intention to challenge Wanga in the 2027 governor race.
Their relationship had already been strained, especially after the Kasipul by election where they backed different candidates. What was once a united ticket under ODM now appears to be a broken partnership marked by mistrust.
“After deep reflection and consultations, I have concluded that it is neither tenable nor honourable for me to remain in office under these prevailing circumstances. I therefore step aside with dignity and clarity of conscience.” he said.
For Governor Wanga, the resignation leaves behind more than a vacant office. It leaves hard questions about leadership, inclusion, and whether political image has taken priority over building a functional county government.
