Homabay County governor Gladys Atieno Nyasuna Wanga has intimated receiving and accepting the resignation of Deputy Governor Joseph Oyugi Magwanga and hence declared the position vacant.
In a statement, Wanga has said the county government has confirmed receipt of Magwanga’s resignation letter dated February 26, 2026. The resignation takes effect immediately.
While acknowledging the development, Governor Wanga noted that public understanding of the collective focus required in the Office of the Deputy Governor is essential for effective service delivery.
“The people of Homa Bay are entitled to full-time, undivided service from their executive leadership,” the statement read.
Magwanga announced his decision on Thursday 26th February 2026, citing “persistent and irreconcilable differences” that he said had made it difficult for him to effectively discharge his constitutional mandate.
He maintained that his resignation followed consultations with supporters and close allies.
“I cannot, in good conscience, continue to hold office when circumstances make it impossible to serve the people as required,” he said.
The resignation follows months of reported disagreements between Magwanga and Governor Gladys Wanga. Political tensions between the two leaders intensified after the Kasipul parliamentary by-election in late 2025, where Magwanga is said to have supported a candidate who was not aligned with the governor’s preferred choice.
The Deputy Governor had also previously been relieved of his additional role as County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture and Livestock Development — a move widely interpreted as a sign of a deepening rift within the county’s top leadership.
Magwanga, a former gubernatorial aspirant, joined the county administration ahead of the 2022 General Elections after stepping down from the race and accepting the running mate position under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket.
Under Kenya’s legal framework, the Governor is expected to nominate a new Deputy Governor within 14 days, subject to approval by the County Assembly.
Magwanga has not publicly outlined his next political move, but analysts suggest his resignation could signal a renewed focus on grassroots mobilization or a potential bid for higher office.
