By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 4 December 2025 - Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga has launched a public protest after being stripped of his additional role as County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, sparking fresh political tensions in the county.
The abrupt decision by Governor Gladys Wanga comes amid a wider reshuffle that saw several senior officials reassigned or dismissed, actions Magwanga describes as part of a “lawless political purge” targeting perceived dissenters.
The reshuffle coincided with the closure of Magwanga’s office, along with the County Secretary’s and Payroll Management offices.
The Deputy Governor claims these moves were unlawful and have effectively paralysed essential administrative functions, from payroll processing to departmental oversight.
“Political differences should never be used as a tool to disrupt public service,” Magwanga said, framing his protest as a defense of both governance and democratic principles.
Political observers link the unfolding crisis to the recent by-election in Kasipul Constituency, in which Magwanga supported independent candidate Philip Aroko, who lost to the Governor’s party-backed contender Boyd Were.
Analysts suggest that Wanga’s reshuffle and office closures were a calculated response to consolidate control and remove officials perceived as disloyal, particularly those aligned with rival political interests.
The implications for county governance are significant. The paralysis of offices responsible for payroll, administration, and agriculture threatens essential services for residents.
Beyond operational disruption, the standoff raises concerns about the erosion of institutional integrity and the politicization of public offices.
Magwanga insists that county leadership is a public trust, not a platform for punishing political opponents.
In response, Magwanga has called for the immediate reopening of the affected offices and accountability for those responsible for the closures.
His public denunciation has struck a chord with critics of the Governor’s administration, who view the actions as intimidation and consolidation of authority under the guise of routine administrative changes.
By emphasising legality and democratic norms, Magwanga positions himself not merely as a sidelined official, but as a guardian of county governance.
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The tension between Magwanga and Wanga reflects a deeper struggle within Homa Bay’s political landscape.
Several senior officials have been reassigned or dismissed since the by-election, signaling an effort to reshape power structures and enforce loyalty.
While the Governor’s office frames the changes as standard political housekeeping, opponents interpret them as a targeted purge designed to eliminate opposition voices and strengthen control over key departments.
Analysts caution that the ongoing rift could have long-term consequences.
Continued administrative paralysis may exacerbate public frustration and undermine confidence in local government, while the visible conflict between the county’s top leadership could influence political alignments both locally and nationally.
The dispute also underscores the delicate balance between political authority and democratic accountability in Kenya’s devolved system. For now, Magwanga is maintaining a firm public stance.
By portraying the office closures and reshuffle as politically motivated and unlawful, he seeks to rally public support, attract legal scrutiny, and turn an internal administrative shake-up into a high-stakes political confrontation.
How Governor Wanga responds—through dialogue, further consolidation, or legal action—will shape whether Homa Bay descends further into administrative chaos or finds a path to stable governance.
The situation in Homa Bay illustrates the challenges facing Kenya’s county governments, where political rivalries can spill over into administrative paralysis, affecting service delivery and citizens’ trust in their leaders.
As the drama unfolds, both residents and political observers are watching closely, aware that the coming days could redefine the county’s leadership landscape for years.
Oyugi Magwanga Slams Governor Wanga Over Sudden Shake-Up
Homa Bay Deputy Governor Protests After Being Stripped of Key Role
