Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga Condemns Alleged Unlawful Locking of His Office After Kasipul By-Election Fallout

Deputy Governor Magwanga accuses the Homa Bay County government of illegally locking his office after officials removed him from his agriculture duties.

He says county authorities blocked access to key offices without explanation, disrupting administration and raising concerns about how the county is being managed.

He describes the move as a violation of proper governance and an attempt to interfere with his constitutional mandate.

Mr. Magwanga urges Governor Gladys Wanga to reopen the offices immediately and cautions against politicizing county operations as a tool for revenge.

Governor Gladys Wanga and Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga pictured during county official duties. Tensions have risen after a recent reshuffle and the alleged office lockout.

Growing Rift Between Governor Wanga and Deputy Governor Magwanga

The incident has, therefore, heightened concern regarding the weakening working relationship between the two top leaders in the county.

Moreover, opponents suggest that Governor Wanga approached the issue unnecessarily aggressively, which indicates a lack of internal communication.

Consequently, locking out an elected deputy governor portrays the county government as intolerant and willing to misuse power for political gain.

This tension, in particular, stems from the Kasipul by-election, where Magwanga supported Philip Aroko while Wanga backed Boyd Were.

Mr. Boyd eventually won the seat.

Their opposing endorsements deepened divisions in county leadership, and the subsequent reshuffle was seen as extending the political conflict.

Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga with Kasipul by-election candidate Philip Aroko, whom he publicly supported, highlighting political divides within Homa Bay County leadership.

Public Concern and Calls for Stability

Despite Mr. Magwanga still being the Deputy Governor, he no longer has an executive portfolio because of the reshuffle.

Analysts say removing him from his portfolio and then padlocking offices related to his work indicates an alarming level of internal conflict.

Residents and political observers are demanding that the county government provide a detailed explanation for the lockout.

Community leaders urge Wanga and Magwanga to settle differences lawfully to safeguard service delivery and public trust.

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