Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has formally announced that the Deputy Governor’s seat is now vacant following the resignation of Oyugi Magwanga.
In a statement issued on February 24, 2026, Governor Wanga confirmed she had received a resignation letter from Magwanga dated February 23, 2026, and accepted it with immediate effect. The letter, according to Wanga, cited personal reasons and the desire to pursue other interests, though the governor did not elaborate further on the contents during her public remarks.
“I wish to confirm that I have received and accepted the resignation of Hon. Oyugi Magwanga as Deputy Governor of Homa Bay County,” Wanga said. “The resignation is effective immediately, and the office of Deputy Governor is now vacant as per the provisions of the Constitution and the County Governments Act. I thank him for the service he rendered to the people of Homa Bay during his time in office.”
The development marks a significant political moment for Homa Bay County, a region long considered an ODM stronghold but one that has experienced shifting alliances since the 2022 elections. Magwanga, a former MP for Kasipul and a close ally of Raila Odinga during the campaign period, was selected as Wanga’s running mate in a negotiated ticket arrangement that helped secure victory for the pair. However, relations between the governor and her deputy reportedly deteriorated over time, with sources citing disagreements over resource allocation, development priorities and political influence within the county.
Wanga’s acceptance of the resignation comes less than four years into the five-year term, underscoring the fragility of such negotiated arrangements in Kenya’s devolved system. The Constitution requires that a governor and deputy run on a joint ticket, but it does not provide for automatic succession in the event of a deputy’s resignation. Instead, the County Assembly is expected to approve the governor’s nominee for the vacant position within a stipulated timeframe, failing which the governor can continue to serve without a deputy until the next election.
Political observers in Homa Bay say the resignation could trigger a series of realignments. “This is not just a personal decision; it reflects deeper tensions,” said a county executive member who spoke on condition of anonymity. “There have been quiet struggles over who controls key appointments, development funds and the direction of ODM in the county. The deputy felt sidelined in many decisions, and this resignation is his way of stepping back from a partnership that no longer worked.”
Wanga, who has consolidated power around her inner circle since taking office, used the opportunity to reaffirm her focus on service delivery. “My administration remains committed to transforming Homa Bay through better roads, health facilities, water access and youth empowerment,” she said. “We will move forward with unity and purpose, and I will soon begin the process of identifying a suitable replacement who shares our vision for the county.”
The governor has not indicated a timeline for nominating a new deputy, though the County Governments Act requires the vacancy to be filled within 60 days through a vote in the County Assembly. Names of potential replacements are already circulating in political circles, with speculation focusing on individuals who can maintain ODM cohesion while bringing fresh energy or bridging factions.
The resignation has also raised questions about the stability of ODM’s grip on Homa Bay ahead of 2027. While the county remains one of the party’s strongest bases, recent by-elections and internal disputes have shown signs of fragmentation. Some party leaders have privately expressed concern that prolonged vacancies or contentious replacement processes could weaken voter turnout and provide openings for rivals.
For now, Wanga appears firmly in control. She concluded her statement with a call for calm and continued cooperation among leaders and residents. “Let us use this moment to renew our commitment to serving the people of Homa Bay,” she said. “The work ahead is bigger than any individual, and together we will build a county we can all be proud of.”
The County Assembly is expected to convene soon to receive the resignation formally and set the process in motion for a replacement. Until then, Wanga will continue to exercise the powers of the governor’s office without a deputy, as provided for under the law.
