Magwanga resigns as Homa Bay Deputy governor, eyes 2027 governorship

Joseph Oyugi Magwanga has resigned as Homa Bay Deputy Governor, citing frustration from the county leadership that he says prevented him from executing his duties.

The resignation, announced on 27 February 2026, ends months of tension between Magwanga and Governor Gladys Wanga. Magwanga had been out of office since November 2025.

In a statement to newsrooms, Magwanga traced his journey to the deputy governorship back to 2022, when he accepted to serve as running mate to Wanga following consultations presided over by the late former prime minister and Orange Democratic Movement party leader Raila Odinga.

“Following our electoral victory, I was sworn in with a solemn commitment to serve the people of Homa Bay County faithfully, diligently and in full obedience to the constitution of Kenya,” he said.

“Today, after a deep reflection and consultation with leaders, supporters and my family, I have resolved to resign from the office of the Deputy Governor with immediate effect,” his statement read.

Magwanga 2027 quest

Magwanga has already declared his interest in running for the county top seat in the 2027 general elections.

His resignation follows a meeting with over 3,000 residents of Karachuonyo during a consultation forum. The former Kasipul MP has been making inroads across various parts of the county in recent months.

Magwanga says that since assuming office he endeavoured to serve with integrity and loyalty to the people of Homa Bay. However, in December 2025, he was denied access to his official office after locks were changed without formal communication to him.

After county services moved to the new county headquarters, Magwanga refused to occupy the new office allocated to him, claiming it had been “bewitched” by certain individuals within the county leadership.

Wanga-Magwanga rift

The rift between the two leaders dates back to the Kasipul by-election, where Magwanga backed independent candidate Philip Aroko against ODM preferred candidate Boyd Were.
Wanga, who also serves as ODM National Chairperson, acknowledged the division within her government last year and promised action against officials who criticised her administration while still in office.

Days after Were won the by-election, Wanga relieved Magwanga of his additional duties as the County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture and Livestock Development.