- Gladys Wanga officially accepted the resignation of Joseph Oyugi Magwanga as Deputy Governor of Homa Bay County and declared the position vacant.
- He accused his former deputy of deviating from their common agenda, citing political ambitions and his opposition to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) candidate in the Kasipul by-election.
- Wanga assured the residents that the county’s activities remain stable, while the provision of services continues without interruption despite the existence of the vacancy.
Governor of Homa Bay, Gladys Wangaconfirmed receiving the resignation letter of his deputy.
Source: Facebook
Joseph Oyugi Magwanga resigned as Deputy Governor of Homa Bay County on Thursday, February 26, mentioning the challenges that prevented him from carrying out his duties.
The governor said he has accepted the resignation letter of his deputy.
“I confirm receipt of the letter dated February 26, 2026 from the Deputy Governor submitting his resignation with immediate effect. Today I have officially accepted that resignation,” he said.
Then he declared the position vacant.
“Pursuant to Section 181(1) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, and Section 32C (b) of the County Governments Act, 2012, I hereby officially declare the Office of the Deputy Governor, Homa Bay County, vacant with effect from 26 February 2026,” he said.
Wanga thanked Magwanga for abandoning his ambition to run for governor, but said he lost his direction during their term.
He explained that his administration helped Magwanga carry out his duties, but he still deviated from the line.
“After entering office, this administration fully implemented the constitutional duties of the deputy governor and also entrusted him with the additional responsibility of County Executive Committee Member in charge of Agriculture and Livestock Development. His office was fully supported during his service period,” Wanga said.
Wanga denied the existence of “permanent and irreconcilable differences” between him and Magwanga, saying he was more focused on his political ambitions for 2027 than his work as deputy governor.
“The people of Homa Bay deserve full-time and undivided service from their executive leadership. It is also a matter of public record that he opposed the ODM candidate in the Kasipul by-election. This decision raised legitimate concerns about unity of purpose and commitment to our common agenda.
However, this administration has steadfastly continued to carry out its duties.
Under my leadership, the County Government continues to maintain accountability, expand development in all wards, and maintain institutional stability.
I assure the residents that the activities of the County Government will continue without interruption. Service delivery is not affected, and the vacancy in the Office of the Deputy Governor will be filled in accordance with the law.
On behalf of the County Government and the people of Homa Bay, I thank the former Deputy Governor for his service and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”
Why did Oyugi Magwanga resign?
Magwanga, who was elected together with Governor Gladys Wanga in the 2022 general election, said his office was closed in December 2025 and remained inaccessible even after his annual leave ended in January 2026.
He said the locks were changed without formal communication, forcing him to take an early leave in circumstances that were not voluntary. When he returned to work, he was still denied access to his office.
Magwanga, who has already announced his intention to face Wanga in the 2027 election, also objected to the seizure of his official car without notice.
He said the remaining county vehicle allocated to his office was not in good condition and had not been fueled or serviced, which made him unable to perform his constitutional duties.
According to him, those actions made the Office of the Deputy Governor unable to function properly, leaving him unable to serve effectively.
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