In a dramatic turn of events, Homa Bay County Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga has resigned from his position, a move that is set to reshape the county’s leadership ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
Magwanga, who was elected alongside Governor Gladys Wanga in the 2022 General Election on Thursday, February 26, confirmed his resignation, bringing to an end months of speculation about his rift with the governor.
Sources privy to the information indicated that the relationship between Magwanga and Wanga had deteriorated significantly over the past year, following divergent political opinions.
What began as a minor administrative disagreement quickly escalated into political differences, forcing Magwanga to step down from his position.
Before his resignation, Magwanga had previously lamented about being sidelined in key decision-making processes within the county administration.
In his initial pressers, the immediate former deputy governor claimed he was not being given sufficient responsibilities, lamenting the alleged closure of his office by the governor.
In February this year, Magwanga moved to court challenging Wanga’s alleged decision to close his office, with the deputy governor seeking orders to compel the governor to reopen his office.
According to Magwanga, the closure left him without a workspace, rendering him unable to serve the residents of Homa Bay County.
“I went to court to petition the court to order the governor to unlock my office that she locked last year. She has rendered me jobless. I have nowhere to sit to offer my services to the people of Homa Bay,” Magwanga said.
He argued that keeping his office closed undermined service delivery and denied county residents the support and representation they were entitled to receive.
Magwanga added that he could not in any way discharge his duties from home or under a tree, insisting that his role required the county office.
It all began in November last year when Magwanga defied his boss and campaigned for Kasipul Member of Parliament candidate Philip Aroko despite Governor Wanga leading campaigns for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) candidate Boyd Were.