Gladys Wanga Accepts Resignation of Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga on Friday formally accepted the resignation of her deputy, Oyugi Magwanga, bringing to an end a politically strained relationship that has been building since before the 2022 General Election.

In a statement issued on 27 February 2026, Ms Wanga confirmed she had received a resignation letter dated a day earlier and accepted it with immediate effect.

“I acknowledge receipt of a letter dated 26th February 2026 from the Deputy Governor tendering resignation from office with immediate effect. I have today formally accepted the said resignation,” the governor said.

She immediately declared the position vacant in line with the law.

“Pursuant to Article 181(1) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, and Section 32C(b) of the County Governments Act, 2012, I hereby declare the Office of the Deputy Governor, Homa Bay County, vacant with effect from 26th February 2026,” Ms Wanga said.

‘Persistent and irreconcilable differences’

In his resignation letter, Mr Magwanga cited “persistent and irreconcilable differences” with the governor.
Ms Wanga acknowledged the wording but linked the fallout to what she described as divided focus within the deputy governor’s office.

“It is imperative for the public to understand that a sustained preoccupation with future political ambitions increasingly compromised the collective focus required in the Office of the Deputy Governor,” she said.

“The people of Homa Bay are entitled to full-time, undivided service from their executive leadership,” the governor added.

She also cited political actions that, in her view, undermined unity within the county administration and the ruling party.

“It is also in public record that he opposed the ODM candidate in the Kasipul by-election,” Ms Wanga said. “This decision raised legitimate concerns about the unity of purpose and commitment to our shared mandate.”

Background to the strained relationship

The governor traced the origins of the tension to events preceding the 2022 polls, when Mr Magwanga initially sought to run for governor.
“It is a matter of public record that before the 2022 General Elections, the now-former Deputy Governor was a gubernatorial aspirant,” she said.
According to Ms Wanga, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) intervened to prevent internal competition.

“In the interest of party unity, the Orange Democratic Movement requested him to accept the running mate position, which he duly did,” she said.
After assuming office, the governor said her administration went beyond constitutional requirements to accommodate her deputy.

“Upon assuming office, this administration entirely fulfilled the Deputy Governor’s constitutional role and further entrusted him with the additional portfolio of County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture and Livestock Development,” Ms Wanga said.
“His office was fully supported during his tenure,” she added.

However, insiders say disagreements over political direction, party loyalty and succession politics steadily eroded trust between the two leaders, eventually straining their working relationship.
Mr Magwanga has previously maintained that his differences with the governor were administrative rather than personal, though he has not issued a detailed public response following his resignation.

Assurance on continuity of county operations

Governor Wanga sought to assure residents that the resignation would not disrupt county operations.
“Notwithstanding, this administration has remained steadfast in delivering its mandate,” she said. “Under my leadership, the County Government continues to uphold accountability, expand development across all wards, and maintain institutional stability.”

She added: “County Government operations will proceed seamlessly. Service delivery remains uninterrupted, and the vacancy in the Office of the Deputy Governor will be addressed in accordance with the law.”

In a conciliatory closing note, the governor thanked her former deputy.

“On behalf of the County Government and the people of Homa Bay, I thank the former Deputy Governor for his service and wish him well in future endeavours,” Ms Wanga said.

The resignation marks a significant political moment for Homa Bay County, highlighting the fragile alliances that often emerge from negotiated party tickets within Kenya’s devolved governments.

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