Magwanga Resigns as Homa Bay Deputy Governor, Kajwang’ Calls for Reflection

The Deputy Governor of Homa Bay County, HE Joseph Oyugi Magwanga, has resigned from office, a move that has been formally accepted by Governor Gladys Wanga. The development marks a significant political shift in the county’s leadership barely halfway through their term.

In a statement issued following the resignation, Homa Bay Senator Moses Otieno Kajwang’ expressed regret over the Deputy Governor’s departure, describing it as a “disappointing divorce” between leaders who were elected on a joint ticket in the 2022 General Election.

Kajwang’ noted that the Wanga–Magwanga ticket was crafted by Raila Odinga as a “team of rivals,” intended to unite diverse political interests and usher in a new era of hope and development for the lakeside county. He revealed that he played a central role in bringing the two leaders together, having served as chair of their campaign during the 2022 polls.

“As a matchmaker, and on behalf of many who believed in the duo, this divorce is disappointing,” Kajwang’ said. Drawing an analogy from legal proceedings, he remarked that were he a judge in the matter, he would have granted a decree nisi to allow room for reconciliation before a final separation.

Despite the circumstances surrounding the resignation, Kajwang’ thanked Magwanga for his service to the people of Homa Bay and wished him well in his future endeavors.

At the same time, the senator urged Governor Wanga to reflect critically on the issues that may have led to the fallout, warning that unresolved concerns could resurface and affect future working relationships within the county’s executive.

“If substantive concerns are swept under the carpet, the same fate could befall the next Deputy Governor,” he cautioned.

Kajwang’ emphasized that leaders from Homa Bay have given the county government space and peace to implement its development agenda, underscoring that peace is a deliberate choice necessary for progress.

“This does not mean that Homa Bay County is perfect,” he said. “It is an acknowledgment that conflict scares progress. Peace is a very deliberate undertaking to prevent war.”

He called on county leaders to capitalize on the prevailing goodwill and focus on building an efficient, people-centered administration.

“The people must come first, not the leaders,” Kajwang’ concluded.

The resignation sets the stage for the appointment of a new Deputy Governor, a process that will likely attract keen political interest within the county and beyond.