Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’ has spoken out following the resignation of Deputy Governor Joseph Oyugi Magwanga, describing the fallout within the county’s top leadership as a painful and avoidable split.
In a statement issued after Governor Gladys Wanga accepted the resignation, the Senator said the development marked a sad chapter for leaders and residents who had placed hope in the 2022 joint ticket.
“I have learnt with regret the resignation of the Deputy Governor of Homa Bay County, Joseph Oyugi Magwanga, and the subsequent acceptance by Governor Gladys Wanga,” Kajwang’ said.
He recalled that the Wanga-Magwanga partnership during the 2022 General Election was brought together by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. According to Kajwang’, the ticket was formed as a “team of rivals” meant to unite different political interests and steer the lakeside county toward growth and renewal.
“The joint ticket between Governor Wanga and her Deputy in the 2022 elections was crafted by HE Raila Odinga. It was a team of rivals which we hoped would usher in a new era of hope and development. I played a central role in uniting this team when I acted as their election campaign chair,” he said.
Drawing a comparison to a marriage, Kajwang’ said the political break-up felt like a divorce that could have been resolved through dialogue and mediation before reaching its current stage.
“As a matchmaker, and on behalf of many who believed in the duo, this divorce is disappointing. If I were a judge in the matter, I would have granted a decree nisi to allow for reconciliation before a decree absolute,” Kajwang’ stated.
Now that the resignation has taken effect, the Senator thanked Magwanga for his time in office and acknowledged his contribution to the people of Homa Bay.
“Now that it is done, I wish to thank Magwanga for his past service to the people of Homa Bay,” he said.
At the same time, Kajwang’ urged Governor Wanga to look inward and address the issues that may have led to the separation, cautioning that ignoring deeper concerns could create similar problems in the future.
“I also encourage Governor Wanga to critically reflect on the reasons that led to the divorce. If substantive concerns are swept under the carpet, the same fate could befall the next Deputy Governor,” he cautioned.
Kajwang’ further noted that leaders from the county had chosen to maintain calm and unity to allow the administration to carry out its development plans without disruption. He stressed that peace among leaders was a conscious effort aimed at protecting progress.
“As leaders from Homa Bay, we have given the county government space and peace to implement their development plans. This does not mean that Homa Bay County is perfect; it is an acknowledgement that conflict scares progress. Peace is a very deliberate undertaking to prevent war,” he said.
He called on the county leadership to make use of the goodwill among residents and focus fully on delivering services that directly benefit the people.
“Let us harvest this goodwill and invest in an efficient and people-focused government. The people must come first, not the leaders,” Kajwang added.
Governor Wanga confirmed that she had received and accepted a resignation letter dated February 26 from Magwanga. In the letter, the Deputy Governor cited “persistent and irreconcilable differences” as the reason for stepping down.
Invoking Article 181(1) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, and Section 32C(b) of the County Governments Act, 2012, the governor formally declared the office vacant with immediate effect.
“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,” Wanga said.
She assured residents that county operations would continue without interruption as the legal process of filling the vacancy begins.
Magwanga, who spoke to the media on Thursday, said he was leaving office with a clear conscience and stood by his commitment to good leadership and responsible use of public funds.
“I leave office with my conscience clear and my commitment to the people of Homa Bay County unwavering,” Magwanga said.
He also announced that he will seek the Homa Bay governor seat in the 2027 General Elections.
The resignation brings to a close a working relationship that had faced mounting political and legal strain over the past year, bringing an end to a partnership that once symbolised unity and renewed hope for the county.
