Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga Resigns, Declares 2027 Bid
In a dramatic press briefing in Oyugis Town on Thursday, February 26, 2026, Joseph Oyugi Magwanga officially resigned as the Deputy Governor of Homa Bay County. The move brings a chaotic end to a partnership that began with a “handshake” brokered by the late Raila Odinga in 2022 but dissolved into a bitter legal and political feud.
“A Sacred Trust”: The Reasons for Resignation
Magwanga did not mince words, describing his working environment as “toxic” and “functionally inoperative.” He cited three primary reasons for his exit:
Locked Out: Magwanga revealed that his official office was locked in December 2025 without notice, forcing him to work “under trees” or from home.
Withdrawn Logistics: He alleged his official vehicle was repossessed while he was on duty in Nairobi, and the remaining car was left unserviceable and without fuel.
Integrity Concerns: In a punchy quote trending on social media, Magwanga stated: “I cannot, in good conscience, continue to earn a salary funded by taxpayers while being deliberately prevented from performing the work they elected me to do.”
The Road to the Fallout
The cracks in the Wanga-Magwanga administration became public during the November 2025 Kasipul by-election. While Governor Gladys Wanga campaigned for the ODM candidate, Magwanga openly supported an independent, leading to a “bare-knuckled” fallout.
Earlier this month, Magwanga had even dragged the Governor to the Employment and Labour Relations Court to force her to unlock his office—a move that clearly failed to mend the relationship.
2027: The Battle Lines are Drawn
Magwanga’s resignation is not a retirement; it is a re-launch. During his announcement, he confirmed he will be on the ballot to unseat Gladys Wanga in the 2027 General Election.
“Let Governor Wanga prepare for competition. I sacrificed my ambitions for her in 2022, but she has been ungrateful. It is now time for the people of Homa Bay to decide,” Magwanga declared.
What This Means for Homa Bay
With Magwanga out, Governor Wanga now faces a solidified opposition on the ground. This resignation follows the recent ousting of several MCAs from house committees for allegedly meeting Interior PS Raymond Omollo, suggesting a broader realignment of power in the county.
Quick Facts: The Magwanga Exit
