Homa Bay Deputy Governor Joseph Oyugi Magwanga has resigned with immediate effect, accusing Governor Gladys Wanga of locking him out of his office, seizing his vehicles, and deliberately crippling his ability to serve.
The bombshell announcement came today as Magwanga addressed residents and the media, declaring he could no longer “in good conscience” draw a taxpayer salary while being blocked from doing the job voters elected him to perform in 2022.
“I firmly believe that public office is a sacred trust,” Magwanga stated. “Leadership must be anchored in respect for institutions, constitutionalism, and mutual trust. These actions have rendered the Office of the Deputy Governor functionally inoperative.”
In his detailed resignation letter, Magwanga laid bare a timeline of alleged obstruction that began in December 2025:
– His official office locks were changed without any notice or communication.
– He was forced onto “early annual leave” under duress.
– When the leave ended in January 2026, he remained locked out and unable to resume duties.
– While on official assignment in Nairobi, the county vehicle assigned to his office was suddenly repossessed without warning.
– The remaining vehicle is unserviceable, with zero fuel or logistical support provided.
“These actions have made it impossible for me to serve effectively,” he said. “I therefore step aside with dignity and clarity of conscience.”
Magwanga and Wanga were once political allies, elected together on an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket in 2022 after high-level consultations led by the late Raila Odinga.
But relations collapsed after the Kasipul Parliamentary by-election in November 2025. Magwanga openly backed independent candidate Philip Aroko, defying Governor Wanga who threw her weight behind eventual winner Boyd Were.
Tensions exploded further when Wanga carried out a major cabinet reshuffle, stripping Magwanga of his additional role as County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture.
In early February 2026, Magwanga even dragged Wanga to court, demanding she reopen his office and restore his vehicles and staff.
Just weeks ago, he publicly declared his intention to challenge her for the Homa Bay gubernatorial seat in the 2027 General Election – a move that appears to have accelerated the final break.
In his parting message, Magwanga expressed gratitude to the people of Homa Bay and vowed to continue fighting for accountability and development.
“I leave office with my conscience clear and my commitment to the people of Homa Bay County unwavering,” he said. “My resolve to advocate for integrity and proper management of public resources remains stronger than ever.”
The resignation clears the path for what is already shaping up as one of the hottest political battles in Nyanza ahead of 2027, with the former deputy now free to mount a full challenge against his former boss.
As Homa Bay residents digest the news, one thing is certain: the county’s political temperature has just skyrocketed.
This developing story is being monitored closely as reactions from Governor Wanga’s camp and county leaders are expected imminently.
