Homa Bay County Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga has resigned, citing irreconcilable differences with Governor Gladys Wanga.
Magwanga announced his resignation during a media address on Thursday, February 26, 2026, bringing to an end a working relationship that had been under strain for months.
“I leave office with my conscience clear and my commitment to the people of Homa Bay County unwavering,” Magwanga said.
“My resolve to advocate for integrity and proper management of public resources and the fulfilment of our county remains stronger than ever.”
His departure marks the culmination of a deteriorating relationship between the county’s top two leaders.
Magwanga and Wanga’s fallout that had increasingly played out in political and legal arenas over the past year.
The resignation reshapes the county’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
While details of the disputes were not exhaustively outlined during his address, Magwanga pointed to governance and management concerns as central to the breakdown.
The resignation sets the stage for a high-stakes political contest in 2027.
Magwanga declared his intention to vie for the gubernatorial seat, positioning himself to challenge his former boss in what is expected to be a closely watched race.
He said his decision to step down was guided by principle and the need to pursue his political vision independently.
“My commitment to integrity and accountable leadership remains firm,” he stated.
The development is likely to test political alliances within the county assembly and reshape alignments as leaders recalibrate ahead of the next electoral cycle.
The rift between Magwanga and Wanga was also seen during the Kasipul by-election where the DG campaigned for Philip Aroko, despite Wanga leading campaigns for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) candidate Boyd Were.
Shortly afterwards, Wanga initiated a sweeping reorganisation of her administration, dismissing Magwanga from his role as the County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Agriculture.
