By Habil Onyango.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga on Friday, February 27,2026 declared the Office of her deputy vacant following the resignation of Oyugi Magwanga.
Magwanga used to serve as the County’s Deputy Governor until his resignation on Thursday, February 2026.
His resignation came amid tension between the County boss and her deputy which has seen Magwanga being out of office since November 2025.
“I acknowledge receipt of a letter dated 26 February 2026, from the Deputy Governor tending resignation from Office with immediate effect. I have formally accepted the said resignation,” reads the statement in parts.
“Pursuant to Article 181(1) of the constitution of Kenya 2010, and Section 32 C (b) of the County Government Act 2012, I hereby declare the Office of the Deputy Governor, Homa Bay County, vacant with effect from 26th February 2026,” stated Wanga.
According to the Governor, it is a matter of public record that before the 2022 General Elections the now former DG was a gubernatorial aspirant, however with the interest of ODM unity requested Magwanga to accept the running mate position, which he duly did.
She said that upon assuming Office, her administration entirely fulfilled the DGs constitutional role and further entrusted him with additional portfolio of County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture and Livestock Development which was fully supported during his tenure.
The resignation letter cites “persistence and irreconcilable differences” it is however, imperative for the public to understand that a sustainable preoccupation with future political ambitions increasingly compromised the collective focus required in the Office of the DG,” reads the statement
“The people of Homa Bay are entitled to full time, undivided service from their executive leadership. It is also in public record that he opposed the ODM candidate in the Kasipul by election,” stated the ODM National Chairperson.
“This decision raised legitimate concerns about the unity of purpose and commitment to our shared mandate,” added Wanga.
“Notwithstanding, this administration has remained steadfast in delivering its mandate under my leadership, the County Government continues to uphold accountability, expand development across all wards and maintain institutional stability,” said Wanga.
The Governor however assured the residents that the County Government operations will proceed seamlessly and thanked the former DG for his service during his time in Office.
Magwanga however cited frustration from the County top leadership which said had prevented him from executing his duties as the DG.
“In 2022 I accepted the honor of serving as the running mate for Her Excellency Gladys Wanga after consultations presided over by the late former Prime Minister and ODM party leader Raila Odinga,” he stated.
“Following our electoral victory, I was sworn in with a solemn commitment to serve the people of Homa Bay County faithfully, diligently and in full obedience to the constitution of Kenya,” he said.
“Today after a deep reflection and consultation with leaders, supporters and my family, I have resolved to resigned from the office of the Deputy Governor with immediate effect,” reads the statement.
Magwanga has already declared his interest in running for the County’s top seat comes 2027 general elections.
According to the former Kasipul MP, since he assumed the office, he has endeavored to discharge his mandate with integrity and loyalty to the people of Homa Bay, however when it reached December 2025,he was denied access to his official office after the locks were changed without formal communication.
“I was consequently compelled to proceed on early annual leave under circumstances that were not voluntary,” stated Magwanga.
Magwanga said that upon the expiry of his leave which lapsed up to January 2026, he remained locked out and was unable to resume his official duties.
“While taking an official duty in Nairobi, the office vehicle assigned to my office was repossessed without prior notice,” alleged Magwanga.
“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 perfomig the work they elected me to do,” said Magwanga.
“After deep reflection and consultation, I have concluded that it is neither tenable nor honorable for me to remain in office under these prevailing circumstances,” he stated.
Magwanga assured the people of Homa Bay of his commitment to justice, accountability and the advancement of their development and democratic ideals.
“I leave office with conscience clear and my commitment to the people of Homa Bay County unwavering. My resolve to advocate for integrity, proper management of public resources, and the fulfilment of the aspirations of our County remains stronger than ever,” said Magwanga
The rift between Magwanga and his boss, Governor Gladys Wanga, who also serves as the ODM National Chairperson, developed during the Kasipul by-election.
In that election, Magwanga supported independent candidate Philip Aroko against the party’s chosen candidate, Boyd Were.
Following the election, Wanga relieved Magwanga of his duties as the County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture and Livestock Development just days after Were won the by-election.
