Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga has resigned after months of tension with Governor Gladys Wanga, and he plans to challenge her for the top seat in the 2027 elections.
Magwanga made it official Thursday in a statement and press briefing in Oyugis town, Kasipul constituency. He stepped down with immediate effect, saying deep talks with family, supporters, and leaders led him to that point.
“I leave office with my conscience clear and my commitment to the people of Homa Bay unwavering,” he told reporters. The move ends speculation that had built up since late last year when their working relationship fell apart.
He blamed sustained frustrations and deliberate blocks from county leadership that made his office basically useless. Reports mention things like his official office getting locked in late 2025, his government vehicle being taken away, and no real duties being assigned after his leave ended in January.
He said he didn’t want to keep drawing a salary without doing the work he was elected for. The rift goes back further – some trace it to disagreements over county projects, loyalty demands, and who calls the shots in day-to-day running.
This isn’t just about quitting. Magwanga straight-up confirmed he will run for governor in 2027, putting him head-to-head with the current holder, Gladys Wanga. They teamed up in 2022 on the same ticket, winning under ODM with Raila Odinga’s backing.
Wanga, from Kisumu originally but now deeply rooted in Homa Bay politics, took the top job while Magwanga became her number two. Now that partnership has shattered, turning into what looks like a full-on contest for control of the county.
Reactions came quick. Supporters of Magwanga called his exit brave and principled – walking away when things got impossible instead of hanging on for perks. Online posts praised him for putting service over salary.
On the other side, Wanga’s camp stayed mostly quiet at first, though some allies hinted the resignation clears the way for smoother governance. No official word from her office yet on a replacement deputy governor or comments on the claims.
The timing hits hard ahead of 2027. Homa Bay has seen big changes under Wanga – pushes on roads, health centres, and youth programmes – but complaints linger about pending bills, uneven development, and who gets credit.
Magwanga’s move opens the door for him to campaign on fixing those gaps while painting the current setup as sidelining key players. Voters in places like Kasipul, Ndhiwa, and Mbita will watch closely to see how this plays out in rallies and door-to-door talks.
Political watchers say this kind of fallout happens often in Kenyan counties after the first term, when ambitions clash. Deputies sometimes feel boxed out, leading to early exits or rival runs.
Here, it feels personal after months of whispers about office locks, vehicle repossessions, and court cases Magwanga filed earlier accusing Wanga of blocking his work.
For ordinary people in Homa Bay, the news stirs mixed feelings. Some hope the shake-up brings better focus on real issues like jobs, water, and schools. Others worry more politicking means less delivery. One resident in Oyugis told reporters it’s tiring to see leaders fight instead of fixing potholes or clinics.
As the dust settles, Magwanga starts building his case for 2027. Wanga keeps running the county while facing her first real challenger from within the same original team.
With over a year until nominations heat up, plenty of time exists for alliances to shift, more dirt to surface, or even a reconciliation attempt. But right now, the resignation marks a clean break – and the start of what could become one of the most watched gubernatorial battles in Nyanza.
