Bold claim: A deputy governor says his office was unlawfully locked in a political power move that threatens democratic norms and public accountability. And this is how governance tensions unfold in Homa Bay after a controversial reshuffle.
Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga says unknown individuals unlawfully locked his office, along with the County Secretary and Payroll Management offices, just days after Governor Gladys Wanga removed him from his additional role as the CEC for Agriculture. He condemns the action as a shameful, retrogressive assault on public office and on democratic institutions.
Magwanga argues that locking offices over political disagreements amounts to an intolerable attack on the rule of law, stressing that public offices are temporary trust held on behalf of the people. In a statement, he asserted that staff were blocked from performing their duties and called on Governor Wanga to identify those responsible, reverse the closure, and restore access.
He added that leadership in the county should prioritize people, foster unity, and uphold democracy’s legal safeguards. Disagreement and dissent should be resolved through dialogue, mutual respect, and lawful processes—not through intimidation, exclusion, or arbitrary use of power. He urged an end to what he termed a toxic approach.
The incident comes amid a broad administrative shake-up in Homa Bay County following the Kasipul parliamentary by-election on November 27, 2025, which was marked by division. Governor Wanga has been reorganizing the administration, resulting in multiple senior officials losing their posts.
Magwanga’s removal from the Agriculture portfolio accompanies the removal of Dr. Peter Ogolla, formerly the CEC for Lands. In a letter signed by County Secretary Bernard Muok, Wanga said the changes aim to improve service delivery. Danish Onyango is reassigned to agriculture in an acting capacity, while Dr. Peter Ogolla is dismissed under Section 35(a) of the County Governments Act. Joseph Mitito has been nominated for the Lands docket and will be forwarded to the county assembly for vetting. The changes are effective immediately, and the County Secretary is instructed to ensure a smooth handover for those affected.
Last week, Wanga publicly warned officials who could not align with her administration’s agenda to resign. An anonymous senior county official suggested that further reshuffles were forthcoming, including potential changes to chief officers and directors.
The political fallout follows the Kasipul by-election, where Boyd Were—backed by Governor Wanga—won. Magwanga publicly supported independent candidate Philip Aroko, highlighting the personal and political fault lines shaping governance in the county.
