Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga Explains Reasons why he Resigned from his Position

Joseph Oyugi Magwanga has officially stepped down as the Deputy Governor of Homa Bay County, citing persistent frustrations that, he says, made it impossible for him to effectively serve the people.

Magwanga, who was elected alongside Governor Gladys Wanga during the 2022 General Election, announced that he could no longer continue in office under the prevailing circumstances.

“I Could Not Work Under Frustration”

Speaking to the press in Oyugis town, Kasipul Constituency, Magwanga explained that his resignation was driven by challenges that hindered him from carrying out his constitutional responsibilities.

According to him, his office was locked in December last year, denying him access to his official workspace. He further alleged that his official vehicle was withdrawn and another assigned vehicle was not fuelled, leaving him stranded.

“I resigned because I was not able to discharge my duties due to frustrations. I did not want to continue earning a salary without working,” he stated.

Magwanga insisted that without an office and the necessary facilitation, he could not effectively serve the residents of Homa Bay.

Political Rift Deepens

The fallout between Magwanga and Governor Wanga is believed to have intensified after the November 27, 2025, Kasipul parliamentary by-election. During the contest, Magwanga publicly supported Philip Aroko, while the governor campaigned for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) candidate Boyd Were.

The by-election exposed big political differences within the county leadership and marked a turning point in their working relationship.

Shortly after the by-election, Governor Wanga initiated a major reorganisation within her administration. Several senior officials were affected by the changes, including Magwanga, who was removed from his additional role as County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Agriculture. Dr Peter Ogolla, who had been serving as CEC Member for Lands, was also dismissed.

In a communication signed by County Secretary Bernard Muok, the governor defended the restructuring, saying it was aimed at improving service delivery.

Legal Battle Over Office Closure

Tensions escalated further in early February when Magwanga moved to court, challenging what he termed as an unlawful closure of his office.

He argued that the locked office left him without a workspace, effectively making it impossible for him to perform his duties as deputy governor.

“I went to court seeking orders to have my office reopened. I had nowhere to sit and offer my services to the people of Homa Bay,” he said.

Magwanga maintained that operating from home or informal spaces was not practical and undermined service delivery to county residents.

Eyes on 2027 Gubernatorial Race

The former deputy governor has now declared his intention to vie for the Homa Bay gubernatorial seat in the 2027 General Election.

He revealed that ahead of the 2022 polls, the late Raila Odinga had encouraged him and Wanga to run on a joint ODM ticket, prompting him to shelve his own gubernatorial ambitions at the time.

However, he now says he is ready to face his former boss at the ballot.

“I will be on the ballot in 2027. Let the governor prepare for competition. The people of Homa Bay will decide,” he declared.

Magwanga previously contested for the gubernatorial seat in 2017 but was unsuccessful.

His resignation introduces a fresh political dynamic in Homa Bay County as focus slowly shifts to the 2027 elections, setting the stage for what could be a highly competitive race.