By Hope Barbra
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has cracked the whip by locking her deputy, Oyugi Magwanga, out of his office and relieving him of his duties as the Committee Executive Member in charge of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock Development.
Wanga also sacked Dr. Peter Ogalo as the CEC in charge of Lands, Physical Planning, Housing and Urban Development.
She also nominated Joseph Mitito to be the CEC in charge of Lands, Physical Planning, Housing and Urban Development.
In a press statement, Wanga replaced Magwanga with Danish Onyango, who will act in the position alongside his current portfolio as CEC Roads.
“In order to enhance service delivery, to better serve the people of Homa Bay County, while exercising powers bestowed on me as the Governor and pursuant to Sections 30, 31 and 35 of the County… The changes herein take effect immediately. The County Secretary is tasked to ensure smooth handing over by those affected,” she wrote.
On Sunday, Wanga’s administration moved to change the locks and keys to the Deputy Governor’s office, and this morning the employees at the office were stranded outside.
“The employees at the Deputy Governor’s office are here sitting at the waiting bay. They cannot access the office and are waiting for directions and guidance from the Governor’s office, and they have been told to go back home,” said sources at the county.
Magwanga confirmed that the block housing his office, the County Secretary’s office, and Human Resource staff was locked and workers could not access it.
“I don’t know who has been locked out. I don’t know whether it is the Deputy Governor or the County Secretary and Human Resource staff,” he said.
Magwanga claimed goons had been brought to man the county headquarters and questioned why an administrative issue was being politicized.
“I will go to work as usual. We cannot allow jungle law to take over the management of the county government. I am keenly looking at the events as things unfold. We cannot resort to jungle law,” he said.
Magwanga wondered why Wanga directed the office to be locked, yet she and the County Secretary Prof. Benard Muok were out of the office.
“The top leadership should have been around after locking the access and changing the keys. Why are they not in the office?” he asked.
The battle between Wanga and Magwanga exploded during the Kasipul by-election, where the former campaigned for ODM candidate Boyd Were, who defeated independent candidate Philip Aroko.
Aroko was supported by Magwanga and a combined team including former Nairobi Governor Dr. Evans Kidero, former Governor Okoth Obado, among others.
Last Friday at a funeral in Homa Bay, Wanga admitted a split in her government and promised to crack the whip on those who do not want to work but talk badly about her administration while still serving in it.
Speaking at the funeral, Wanga said she was adequately prepared to face her opponents for the gubernatorial seat in 2027, terming it a battle royal.
“Kom mar governor abedie higni apar. Kendo ng’ama obiro ni dwa dware odhi romo gin yar wang’aya ka. Athuon ka adhi kendo ka aduogo.”
(“I will serve my two terms as governor. Whoever wants to challenge me will meet the daughter of Wang’aya. I am brave and not a coward.”)
Wanga asked those unhappy with her administration to pack and go so she can bring in new people.
“To chieng’ ma owinjo ni sirkal rach ma ok onyal tiye, to ogwe tawo oweyo to ja-Kanyada machielo bende. Mano ekaka gini timore. Koso jo-Kanyada orumo ma nyalo tiyo.”
(“If they are not happy with the government, let them resign and leave so that we can get new people from Kanyada who can work.”)
Wanga said she will sack those who do not want to work in her government and has adopted a new mentality.
“Omiyo an be koro awuok mager adwaro pidho rasta koro sani. Ng’ama ok dwa tich inje. Ng’ama dwaro tiyo ne jopiny ndani. Ng’ama dwaro pesa ma ikawo here and there inje. Ng’ama oyie ni nyalo tiyo ne jopiny kod misara michule cha ndani.”
(“I will no longer tolerate insubordination. I have developed a new mentality. If you want to work, you are welcome. If you want corruption, you face the boot.”)
The ODM national chairperson said she will no longer tolerate misbehavior in her government and may request new officers.
“Mano e mbaka ma an adwa goyo koro. Kama achopie ni. Ka anyisou ni miya uru joma oyie tich utim kamano. Umiya joma oyie tich. Wati mondo water Homa Bay mbele.”
(“Where I am now, I don’t want to talk about insubordination. I may ask you to give me new people who are willing to work so we move Homa Bay forward.”)
Wanga admitted that some people she employed were disloyal and she will soon crack the whip.
“Nyocha amiyo jo-Kanyada tich, to jo-Kanyada ma dwaro tich ema nyalo tiyo. Ng’ato ok nyal tiyo e sirkandi to owuoyo marach e wi sirkandi. Nikech sirkal manyo tek. Ne awuotho e piny ka malich ka asedo ka nyamarende kendo agonyo ma abarora ndasi.”
(“I employed people from Kanyada, but only those willing to work will remain. You cannot work in government and insult it. I struggled so much to become Governor.”)
Wanga promised her opponents in the 2027 gubernatorial election a battle of titans, saying even if she loses, the victor will appreciate her might.
“Wadwa lawore e dier pap kaye kweli. Ma be ka en wuoyi oloyo to bende owinjo ndi.”
(“It will be a fierce battle in the campaign trail. If he is a man and he defeats me, he will feel the weight.”)
