Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has removed Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga from his additional role as the County Executive Committee (CEC) member in charge of Agriculture, marking a major shift in her administration.
The decision follows an escalating political disagreement between the two leaders, which became more visible after Magwanga openly campaigned for a rival candidate during the Kasipul by-election.
The move was announced through an executive order issued on December 1, 2025, where Governor Wanga introduced a series of changes within the County Executive Committee. The restructuring appears aimed at restoring order and reinforcing loyalty within her government after weeks of political tension.
In the new directive, Danish Onyango retained his position as the CEC for Roads, Public Works, Transport, and Infrastructure.
Onyango will also take on the expanded role of Acting CEC for Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock Development to fill the vacancy left by Magwanga. Governor Wanga stated that the reorganization marks the beginning of a more focused and disciplined phase in the county’s leadership.
Additionally, the governor dismissed Dr. Peter Ogolla from his role in the Lands, Physical Planning, Housing, and Urban Development docket. She named Joseph Mitito as her nominee to replace him, though his appointment still requires vetting and approval by the County Assembly.
To ensure a smooth transition, the governor instructed the County Secretary to oversee all handover processes.
These changes come shortly after Magwanga publicly supported Phillip Aroko, a candidate who ran against Boyd Were — the ODM candidate endorsed by Governor Wanga.
Magwanga claimed that the ODM nomination process that produced Boyd Were was compromised and influenced by external forces, which prompted him to back Aroko instead.
After the election results were announced, Governor Wanga openly challenged Magwanga and others in her administration who were opposing her leadership, urging them to resign if they were no longer aligned with her agenda.
During a rally on November 29, 2025, she criticized the habit of government officials working against the administration that appointed them, stressing that leadership comes with responsibility and loyalty.
Wanga emphasized that she will no longer allow internal conflicts to interfere with her administration’s progress. She vowed to push out any official who is unwilling to support her leadership or work harmoniously within her team.
According to the Kenyan Constitution, removing a Deputy Governor is a complex process that cannot be done through a simple directive.
Article 181 and Section 33 of the County Governments Act outline that such a removal can only be initiated by a motion from a Member of the County Assembly (MCA).
The motion must gain approval from at least two-thirds of the County Assembly members and must then be upheld following an investigation by the Senate.
This legal framework means that although Magwanga has been stripped of his additional responsibilities, he still remains in office as Deputy Governor unless the full constitutional removal process is undertaken.
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