Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga has accused unknown individuals of unlawfully locking his office, escalating tensions within the county’s top leadership barely days after Governor Gladys Wanga stripped him of his additional role as the CEC Member for Agriculture.
Magwanga condemned the incident as a “shameful and retrogressive assault” on public office, warning that weaponising state institutions over political disagreements threatens democratic governance.
“It has come to my urgent attention that my office, alongside the County Secretary and Payroll Management offices, has been unlawfully locked, barring staff from performing their duties,” he said in a statement.
He argued that the move amounted to a calculated political power play aimed at undermining his office.
“We must remember that no individual holds a public office as personal property,” he added, calling on Governor Wanga to intervene, reverse the closure, and restore access.
Magwanga insisted that the county deserves leadership grounded in unity and respect for the rule of law.
“Political differences and dissenting opinions must be resolved through dialogue, respect, and lawful means—not through intimidation, exclusion, or misuse of authority. This toxic approach must end.”
The confrontation comes at a time of significant administrative reshuffles in Homa Bay following the divisive November 27, 2025 Kasipul parliamentary by-election. Governor Wanga has moved to reorganise her government, a process that has already claimed senior officials.
Magwanga was removed as CEC for Agriculture, while Dr. Peter Ogolla—who previously served as the CEC for Lands—was also dismissed.
In a letter signed by County Secretary Bernard Muok, Governor Wanga said the changes were aimed at improving service delivery.
“In order to enhance service delivery to better serve the people of Homa Bay, and while exercising the powers bestowed on me, I reassign Danish Onyango as the executive member for Agriculture. Dr. Peter Ogolla is dismissed as provided under Section 35(a) of the County Governments Act,” she stated.
Onyango, currently the CEC for Roads, has taken over the Agriculture docket in an acting capacity. Joseph Mitito has been nominated as the new CEC for Lands, pending vetting by the county assembly.
Governor Wanga has recently cautioned officials unwilling to align with her administration’s agenda to resign. According to a senior county official who requested anonymity, more reshuffles are expected.
“There are more officials who are going to face changes, including some chief officers and directors,” the official revealed.
