Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has acknowledged and formally accepted the resignation of Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga, who stepped down from office with immediate effect.
In a statement issued Friday, Governor Wanga confirmed receiving a resignation letter dated February 26, 2026, and declared the Office of the Deputy Governor vacant effective the same day.
Citing Article 181(1) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, and Section 32C(b) of the County Governments Act, 2012, the governor said the vacancy will be handled strictly in accordance with the law.
Magwanga, in his resignation letter, cited “persistent and irreconcilable differences” as the reason for his decision to leave office.
Addressing the matter, Governor Wanga said it was important for the public to understand that growing political preoccupations had increasingly affected the collective focus required in the Office of the Deputy Governor.
“The people of Homa Bay are entitled to full-time, undivided service from their executive leadership,” she stated.
The governor also pointed to Magwanga’s opposition to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) candidate during the Kasipul by-election, saying the move had raised concerns about unity of purpose within the county administration.
Before the 2022 General Elections, Magwanga had contested for the gubernatorial ticket but later accepted the running mate position at the request of ODM in what was described as a move to promote party unity. Upon assuming office, he was additionally appointed County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture and Livestock Development.
Governor Wanga said her administration had fully supported the Deputy Governor in carrying out his constitutional mandate and executive responsibilities during his tenure.
She assured residents that county government operations would continue seamlessly despite the leadership change.
“Service delivery remains uninterrupted, and the vacancy in the Office of the Deputy Governor will be addressed in accordance with the law,” she said.
Magwanga has yet to issue a detailed public statement beyond the reasons contained in his resignation letter.
The resignation marks a significant political development in Homa Bay County, coming midway through the current administration’s term.
