Inside the Governor Wanga, Magwanga rift that led to resignation
Politics
By
James Omoro
| Feb 26, 2026
Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga has resigned over what he termed as unbearable frustration.
Magwanga addressed journalists on Thursday evening after meeting some residents of Kasipul Constituency in Oyugis where he made the announcement.
"In 2022, I accepted the honour of serving as the running mate of Governor Gladys Wanga after consultations presided over by the late former ODM party leader Raila Odinga," he said.
Magwanga claimed that Governor Gladys Wanga made his work difficult and it was no longer tenable for him to continue serving as deputy governor. This prompted him to quit the office.
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"Today, after deep reflection and consultations with leaders, supporters, and my family, I have resolved to resign from the office of deputy governor with immediate effect," Magwanga said.
The former Kasipul MP explained that he had endeavoured to discharge his duties with integrity and loyalty to the people but the prevailing circumstances made his work difficult.
He said his frustrations began in December last year when he was denied access to his official office at the county government headquarters after it was locked.
"I was consequently compelled to proceed on early annual leave under involuntary circumstances," Magwanga said.
The deputy governor said that he remained locked out when he resumed from leave in January, making him unable to resume his official duties.
Magwanga claimed that Governor Wanga also denied him his official vehicle.
"While undertaking official duty in Nairobi, the official vehicle assigned to my office was repossessed without prior notice. The remaining county vehicle allocated to my office is unserviceable and I have not been facilitated with fuel or logistical support necessary to perform my constitutional responsibilities," he said.
He said that the actions had rendered his office functionally inoperative and it became impossible for him to serve the people of Homa Bay.
Magwanga announced that he decided to resign because he could not continue to earn public funds without serving the people.
"I firmly believe that a public office is a sacred trust. I cannot, in good conscience, continue to earn salary funded by the taxpayers of Homa Bay County while being deliberately prevented from performing the work they elected me to do. Leadership must be anchored in respect for institutions, constitutionalism and mutual trust. I therefore step aside with dignity and clarity of conscience," Magwanga said.
He thanked the people of Homa for electing him to serve as a deputy Governor since August 2022.
"To the people of Homa Bay County, I express my deepest gratitude for the trust you placed in me. I remain committed to justice, accountability, and the advancement of our County’s development and democratic ideals," Magwanga said.
The deputy governor promised to advocate for integrity and proper management of public resources in Homa Bay County.
Magwanga has had a frosty relationship with Wanga following the Kasipul parliamentary by-election in November 2025 where he opposed the ODM party position.