Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga Hits Out Hours After Losing County Agriculture Role
Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga has accused county government officials of unlawfully locking his office, the County Secretary’s office, and the Payroll Management office, calling it a direct attack on his authority.
In a statement issued on December 1, 2025, Magwanga described the closures as unethical, illegal, and indicative of political intolerance. He said the move was an attempt to undermine his office and disrupt county operations.
“The locking of my office, alongside the County Secretary and Payroll Management offices, is not only unethical and illegal but an alarming display of blatant impunity and abuse of power,” Magwanga said. “This shameful assault on public administration must be condemned.”
Magwanga highlighted that the closures prevented staff from accessing their workstations, interfering with essential services. He stressed that political disagreements should never affect public administration.
“No public office belongs to an individual. Leaders hold these positions on behalf of the people,” he noted.
The Deputy Governor linked the action to recent political tensions, claiming it aimed to weaken his role in the county government. He warned that such measures damage public trust, stall service delivery, and erode democratic values.
“Political differences must be resolved through dialogue, respect, and lawful means—not intimidation or exclusion,” he added.
The office closures came shortly after Governor Gladys Wanga reshuffled her cabinet, removing Magwanga from his additional role as County Executive Committee (CEC) member for Agriculture. Danish Onyango, the current CEC for Roads, was appointed Acting CEC for Agriculture.
The reshuffle also saw Dr. Peter Ogolla dismissed as CEC for Lands, with Joseph Mitito nominated as his replacement pending County Assembly vetting.
Although Governor Wanga did not directly link the changes to the Kasipul by-election, the reshuffle followed Magwanga’s public support for Independent candidate Philip Aroko, while Wanga backed ODM’s Boyd Were, who eventually won. The by-election intensified divisions in the county leadership.
Earlier, Wanga had warned that officials not aligned with her administration should resign rather than criticise the government from within. She emphasized the need for diligence and loyalty in county service.
Magwanga’s statement signals a deepening rift at the top of the county government. He called on Governor Wanga to intervene, reopen the locked offices, and ensure fairness and adherence to the law.
“I call upon H.E. Governor Gladys Wanga to act immediately to restore access to all offices and recommit to serving the people with honour and fairness,” he said.
Magwanga reiterated the need for leadership that prioritizes citizens and protects democratic principles, stressing that political disagreements should never compromise public service.
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Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga Hits Out Hours After Losing County Agriculture Role