Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga Resigns Amid Feud with Governor Gladys Wanga,

In a resignation letter dated February 26, 2026, and addressed to the governor, Magwanga cited persistent frustrations, deliberate obstruction, and irreconcilable differences that prevented him from effectively discharging his constitutional duties. He claimed he had been locked out of his official office, stripped of essential facilitation including his vehicle, and rendered unable to perform his role, a situation he described as unsustainable and unacceptable for someone earning a public salary without delivering services.

Governor Gladys Wanga promptly accepted the resignation on February 27, 2026, declaring the deputy governor's office vacant in line with constitutional provisions. She attributed the breakdown to divided loyalties and Magwanga's apparent focus on personal political ambitions rather than county governance. Wanga emphasized that their 2022 partnership had been forged for party unity under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), but recent events—particularly divergent stances during the Kasipul by-election—had exposed deep rifts. She denied any wrongdoing on her part and assured that county operations would continue uninterrupted while preparations begin for filling the vacancy.

In a bold political move, Magwanga announced his intention to vie for the Homa Bay gubernatorial seat in the 2027 General Election, directly challenging incumbent Governor Wanga. He positioned his resignation as a strategic step to distance himself from criticisms leveled against the current administration's performance on development promises and service delivery. The fallout has intensified political realignments in the region, with observers noting that the once-united ticket now sets the stage for a fierce contest, potentially reshaping leadership dynamics in Homa Bay County ahead of the next polls.