By Hope Barbra
Security officers attached to Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga were forced to scare away about 10 goons who allegedly attempted to seize a county government vehicle he was using during a function in Nairobi.
Magwanga said he had attended a coffee revival meeting organized by Cooperative Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya at Nairobi’s Cooperative College, and upon exiting the venue, a group of about 10 men surrounded his vehicle.
He claimed the men told him they had been sent to recover the vehicle following his removal as CEC in charge of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock Development.
“My security and that of the institution had to scare away the goons before I drove out. This move was meant to embarrass me. It’s unfortunate that we are resorting to goon tactics instead of embracing dialogue,” he said.
He insisted that the governor should follow the laid-down procedure to reclaim the vehicle, adding that by law, he is authorized to use it.
Magwanga claimed that by sacking Dr. Peter Ogallo, Governor Wanga had reneged on a pre-election pact they signed before the late Raila Odinga, and that she was taking advantage of Raila’s absence to dishonor the agreement.
“It is me who brought Ogallo to the cabinet. Sacking him without any consultation or reason is a direct affront to me. Let’s see how this ends,” he said in a telephone interview.
Earlier in the morning, the entire wing housing the Deputy Governor’s office, the County Secretary’s office, and Human Resource offices was locked, with padlocks and keys changed.
Wanga also relieved Magwanga of his duties as the CEC in charge of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock Development and appointed Danish Onyango—currently the CEC for Roads—to act in the position.
She also sacked Dr. Peter Ogalo as CEC for Lands, Physical Planning, Housing and Urban Development, nominating Joseph Mitito to replace him.
Announcing the changes on her X handle, Wanga wrote: “Official Announcement. We’ve made changes to the membership of the county executive committee, effective immediately. This restructuring initiates a new phase of focused administration for our county.”
In a press statement, Magwanga condemned the decision to lock his office, calling it unethical, illegal, and an alarming display of impunity and abuse of power.
“This is a calculated political power play aimed at undermining my office and obstructing the functions of county governance. We must remember that no individual holds a public office as personal property. These offices are held temporarily on behalf of the people,” he wrote.
He said political differences and dissenting opinions must be resolved through dialogue, respect, and lawful means—not intimidation, exclusion, or misuse of authority. “This toxic approach must end,” he said.
Magwanga questioned why Governor Wanga and County Secretary Prof. Benard Muok were absent after directing that the offices be locked.
“The top leadership should have been around after locking the offices and changing the keys. Why are they not in the office?” he asked.
The fallout between Wanga and Magwanga escalated during the Kasipul by-election, where Wanga campaigned for ODM candidate Boyd Were, who defeated independent candidate Philip Aroko. Aroko was supported by Magwanga alongside former Nairobi Governor Dr. Evans Kidero, former Migori Governor Okoth Obado, among others.
Last Friday, while speaking at a funeral in Homa Bay, Wanga admitted to divisions within her government and vowed to act against those undermining her administration.
She said she was fully prepared for a fierce 2027 gubernatorial contest, describing it as a “battle royale.”
Wanga also told those unhappy with her administration to leave, saying she would bring in new people willing to work.
She added that she would no longer tolerate insubordination or corruption, insisting that only those committed to serving the people of Homa Bay would remain in her government.
The governor said some of the people she appointed had shown disloyalty and would soon be shown the door, emphasizing that it had taken a great struggle for her to become governor.
Wanga warned that the 2027 race would be a tough battle, declaring that any opponent who defeats her “will not have an easy time doing so.”
