Homa Bay County Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga has resigned from his position, ending months of speculation over his political rift with Governor Gladys Wanga. The fallout began late last year and escalated from administrative disagreements to broader political differences. This move is expected to reshape county leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Oyugi Magwanga and Gladys Wanga were elected together in the 2022 general elections. However, their relationship began to deteriorate late last year, particularly after developing divergent political opinions. Sources indicate that what started as a minor administrative disagreement quickly escalated into significant political differences, leading Magwanga to be sidelined from key county decision-making processes.
Prior to his resignation, Magwanga had publicly complained about being excluded from important responsibilities. He alleged that the governor had closed his office, leaving him unable to perform his duties effectively. In February this year, he filed a court case against Wanga, seeking an order to reopen his office, claiming it had rendered him jobless and unable to serve Homa Bay residents.
“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 stated. He emphasized that he could not discharge his duties from home or under a tree, insisting that a county office was essential for his role.
The rift became public in November last year when Magwanga defied his superior and campaigned for Kasipul MP candidate Philip Aroko, despite Wanga leading efforts for the Orange Democratic Movement's candidate, Boyd Were. Magwanga confirmed his resignation on Thursday, February 26, 2026, a development that ends ongoing speculation and may alter the county's political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections, though further details on succession remain unclear.