Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has moved to firmly counter claims by her former deputy, Joseph Oyugi Magwanga, following his resignation, framing the fallout as a matter of constitutional order rather than political victimisation.
In a formal response issued shortly after receiving Magwanga’s resignation letter dated February 26, 2026, Wanga acknowledged the decision and confirmed that it had taken immediate effect.
However, her statement which appeared carefully crafted to rebut the narrative advanced by the outgoing deputy, who had accused her administration of systematically sidelining him and rendering his office ineffective.
Magwanga resigned citing what he described as persistent frustrations and deliberate obstruction that prevented him from discharging his constitutional mandate.
Furthermore, Magwanga claimed he had been stripped of oversight over key functions, had his staff withdrawn, his office locked, and his official vehicle repossessed.
He also argued that he could not in good conscience continue earning a salary without meaningful responsibilities, saying his mandate had effectively been “grounded.”
But in her response, Wanga underscored that the role of a deputy governor is defined by the Constitution and that any additional executive responsibilities are assigned at the discretion of the governor.
She maintained that the allocation, reassignment, or withdrawal of portfolios falls within her constitutional mandate and does not amount to removal from office.
Wanga signalled that administrative decisions taken within her government were lawful and procedural.
Her statement suggested that while the deputy governor remains constitutionally in office, specific executive functions are delegated and can be varied as circumstances require.
The governor also sought to reassure residents that county operations would continue uninterrupted and that service delivery would not be affected by the resignation.
She however thanked Magwanga for his service and wished him well in his future endeavours, striking a measured tone that contrasted with the more combative language in her former deputy’s resignation statement.
Magwanga, a former Member of Parliament with a strong base in Kasipul and parts of central Homa Bay, has been widely viewed as positioning himself for a gubernatorial bid in 2027.
His resignation followed months of public and administrative tensions within the county leadership, including reported disagreements during the Kasipul parliamentary by-election.
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