Wanga's deputy Oyugi Magwanga says his office locked ‘unlawfully’ after reshuffle

Magwanga/FILE

Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga now claims that his office has been locked unlawfully by unknown people, days after Governor Glady Wanga stripped him of his additional role as the CECM for Agriculture.

Magwanga has condemned the move, terming it a shameful and retrogressive assault on public office.

The deputy governor said locking offices over what he described as political disagreements would amount to an intolerable attack on democratic institutions and the rule of law. He added that public offices are held temporarily on behalf of the people.

“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.

“The calculated political power play directly undermines my office and obstructs county governance. We must remember that no individual holds a public office as personal property."

He asked Governor Gladys Wanga to take action against those responsible and to reverse the closure and restore access.

“Our county deserves leadership that puts people first, promotes unity, and respects the laws that safeguard our democracy,” he added.

“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 tension comes amid a sweeping shake-up in Homa Bay County following the divisive November 27, 2025, Kasipul parliamentary by-election. Governor Wanga has moved to reorganise her administration, a decision that has already seen senior officials lose their positions.

Magwanga was removed from his role as the County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Agriculture, while Dr. Peter Ogolla, who served as the CEC Member for Lands, was also relieved of his duties.

In a letter signed by County Secretary Bernard Muok, Governor Wanga said the changes were aimed at enhancing 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,” Wanga stated.

Onyango, currently the CEC Member for Roads, will serve in an acting capacity. Meanwhile, Joseph Mitito has been nominated for the Lands docket, and his name will be forwarded to the county assembly for vetting.

“The changes take effect immediately. The County Secretary is directed to ensure a smooth handover by those affected,” Wanga directed.

Last Friday, Governor Wanga publicly cautioned officials who could not align with her administration’s agenda, advising them to resign.

A senior county official who requested anonymity said the reshuffles may continue.

“There are more officials who are going to face changes, including some chief officers and directors,” the official said.

The political fallout stems from the Kasipul by-election, where Boyd Were—backed by Governor Wanga—won the contest. Magwanga had publicly supported independent candidate Philip Aroko.