Homabay County Governor, Gladys Nyasuna Wanga, has once again demonstrated her firm grip on county leadership after taking decisive action against her deputy, Joseph Oyugi Magwanga, following weeks of political tension.
The simmering fallout between the two leaders burst into the open during the recent campaigns in Kasipul Constituency, where Magwanga openly defied his boss by throwing his weight behind independent candidate Philip Aroko, instead of the county-endorsed aspirant Boyd Were.
The move was interpreted by many as a direct act of sabotage, marking the latest episode in the escalating rift between the Governor and her deputy.
Magwanga has in recent months accused Governor Wanga of mismanaging the county, alleging that key resources have been diverted or misappropriated. He went further to declare interest in the Homabay gubernatorial seat, a move seen as an open challenge to his boss barely three years into their joint term.
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The executive Order Number 1.
In a dramatic Executive Order dated 1st December 2025, Governor Wanga effectively fired Magwanga from his additional role as County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock Development—a powerful docket he has held since their swearing-in.
While he remains Deputy Governor, the stripping of this executive mandate significantly weakens his influence within the county government.
According to the Executive Order, Wanga reassigned Danish Onyango to act in the Agriculture docket while also serving as CEC for Roads, Public Works, Transport and Infrastructure.
She also dismissed Dr. Peter Ogolla from the Lands, Physical Planning, Housing and Urban Development department and nominated Joseph Mitto to take over, pending County Assembly approval.
The changes, which took effect immediately, signal Governor Wanga’s intent to consolidate her power as political temperatures rise ahead of the next election cycle. Many now believe an impeachment motion against Magwanga could be looming, depending on how the political storm unfolds.
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