- ODM officials in Homa Bay County have slammed Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga for promoting Philip Aroko, an independent candidate in the Kasipul by-election.
- Some party officials said Magwanga’s action weakened unity after Aroko’s defeat, indicating the existence of divisions ahead of the 2027 general election.
- Calls to pressure Magwanga to resign increased from officials and residents, although it is unclear what action he will take next.
- Some residents called for impeachment proceedings if he did not accept his resignation, reflecting growing divisions within the county’s political ranks.
Tension has increased within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in Homa Bay county following the public action of Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga to support Philip Aroko in the Kasipul by-election.
Source: Facebook
In the by-election on Thursday, November 27, Aroko, an independent candidate, came second by a narrow margin in a race where ODM’s Boyd Were claimed victory.
A section of party officials and residents are now calling for his resignation, citing a breach of party loyalty and the risk of political division ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Who pressured Magwanga to resign?
The call for resignation came from Sinod Okello, ODM Homa Bay Sub-County Organizing Secretary, who criticized Magwanga for publicly supporting a candidate outside the party.
According to Okello, the action of the deputy governor gave a “bad picture” about the unity of the county administration and weakened the unity of the party.
“The deputy governor has violated the trust of the party. It will be difficult for people with different views and policies to work together,” he said.
Okello noted that although the party can take action, Magwanga should strive to eliminate the problem by resigning.
“He should resign so that he can continue and support independent candidates freely,” he added.
Okello warned that the 2027 political campaigns are ahead, and Magwanga’s position shows that his political orientation is different from ODM.
Do the residents of Homa Bay support the removal of Magwanga?
He further explained that in order to avoid future conflicts within the party, Magwanga should be wise to leave his position in Homa Bay County Government.
“Soon we will have another violence with him. Before that, the best thing he can do for himself is to resign,” said Okello.
Source: Facebook
Support for calls for resignations has continued to grow, extending beyond Orange party officials.
Polycarp Otieno, a resident and ODM member, insisted that Magwanga should resign or face forced removal.
“If he does not resign immediately or apologize, we will make him. His action was reckless, and it will be difficult to work with his boss,” noted Otieno.
The reaction from residents has been mixed, some looking at whether the deputy governor will voluntarily resign.
However, another part of the population believes that the process of ousting him from power may be the only option to remove Magwanga.
Why Magwanga supported Aroko
As previously reported, Magwanga publicly supported Aroko instead of his party’s chosen candidate, Boyd.
Magwanga’s decision, announced on November 21, surprised many as he blamed his party for manipulating the selection process.
He claimed that the selection was rigged by foreigners who had helped them enter the area, a move he said was against the real will of the people of Kasipul.
The deputy governor urged voters to resist outside influence, vote freely, and demand transparency in the counting process.
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