Homa Bay politics has been thrown into fresh turmoil after Governor Gladys Wanga issued her strongest warning yet to officials in her administration, declaring that “it will not be business as usual” amid a deepening rift with her deputy, Oyugi Magwanga.
Speaking on Saturday, November 29, a firm and visibly fired-up Wanga told county officials that she would not entertain internal sabotage, insisting that anyone dissatisfied with her leadership should exit voluntarily rather than fight the government from within.
“You Cannot Serve a Government You Bad-Mouth” – Wanga Fires Warning Shot
Addressing residents, Wanga reminded her administration of the sacrifices made to form the county government.
“Someone cannot serve in a government and still talk ill of it. Constituting a government is hard; I traversed the county and used my own resources to become governor. If you are employed in this government, you must work,” she said.
The governor made it clear that officials unwilling to align themselves with her service-delivery agenda are free to step aside.
“If you ever feel dissatisfied, feel free to resign instead of disparaging this government. It will not be business as usual. Whoever doesn’t feel like working can quit — and they will be replaced,” she declared.
The Magwanga Earthquake: Deputy Endorses Independent Candidate
The tension comes just days after Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga rattled the political landscape by endorsing independent candidate Philip Aroko for the Kasipul by-election — a move seen as a direct challenge to ODM’s position and, by extension, to Wanga.
Magwanga’s supporters argue that he was pushed to the edge by what they term irregularities in ODM’s nomination process.
One supporter said:
“Magwanga has not betrayed ODM. ODM betrayed him. The nomination was rigged against the candidate he supported. If the process was free and fair, Magwanga would have backed the ODM nominee. Magwanga is more ODM than Gladys Wanga.”
The endorsement has fueled speculation of a widening political schism within the county’s top leadership.
Wanga Had Denied Rift… Until Now
Interestingly, earlier this year, Wanga insisted there was no fallout between her and Magwanga.
“My relationship with my deputy governor is very cordial and very good. We have walked together this journey,” she said on May 27.
But recent events — including the endorsement saga and the governor’s fiery speech — have reignited questions about whether the political marriage is finally crumbling.
Adding to the tension, Magwanga recently claimed that his life was in danger after gunmen allegedly attacked a vehicle belonging to his security detail.
He narrated how he changed routes after receiving intelligence that suspicious individuals were trailing him. His security team then encountered gunmen who exchanged fire with them.
Wanga expressed concern and called for investigations, noting the county was still mourning the death of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were.
Governor Wanga’s stern declaration signals a decisive shift in her leadership approach — a move likely aimed at reasserting authority and quelling internal rebellion.
With the Kasipul by-election politics heating up, ODM dynamics shifting, and her deputy charting an increasingly independent path, the political temperature in Homa Bay appears set to rise even further.
One thing is clear:
In Governor Wanga’s administration, the era of silent dissent is officially over.
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