How Wanga re-election bid could be affected by Magwanga quitting

The resignation of Oyugi Magwanga as Homa Bay Deputy Governor is expected to reshape the county’s political landscape and influence the race for governor in next year’s election.

In the first two years after their election, Magwanga was widely perceived as a deputy governor who maintained cordial relations with his boss, Governor Gladys Wanga.

However, it has since emerged that the perceived “good relations” masked a troubled partnership. In reality, the relationship between the two leaders reportedly soured soon after they were sworn into office.

Magwanga’s decision to quit has sparked intense debate in the Nyanza region over the future of Homa Bay politics, particularly next year’s election in which Wanga is expected to run for a second term.

Some political analysts argue that the move could undermine Governor Wanga’s chances of re-election, while others insist it may have little impact. Magwanga has already declared his intention to challenge Wanga in next year’s election.

How the Governor plays her cards in picking her next deputy may also have an impact on her political strength as she goes for re-election.

Lawyer Joshua Nyamori says that if Magwanga joins forces with other opinion shapers dissatisfied with Wanga’s leadership in the county, he could complicate her path to victory in 2027.

Forced marriage

According to Nyamori, Magwanga’s frustrations signal that Wanga is alienating key opinion leaders who played an important role in her rise to the governorship.

“The frustrations Magwanga has been experiencing suggest that Wanga is dismantling alliances with key opinion shapers who helped her win the 2022 election. These opinion leaders may regroup and support Magwanga, which could give Wanga a serious challenge,” Nyamori said.

He added that the resignation illustrates the risks of a forced political alliance.

“The political partnership between Magwanga and Wanga was initiated by the late ODM leader Raila Odinga when he sought to boost Wanga’s chances of defeating Evans Kidero in the gubernatorial race. What has happened now shows that their political marriage was forced,” Nyamori said.

However, lawyer Kennedy Ondiek argues that the outcome of last November’s by-election in Kasipul Constituency offered a glimpse of the relative political strength of the two leaders. In the by-election, ODM candidate Boyd Were, backed by Wanga, defeated independent candidate Philip Aroko, who was supported by Magwanga.

“The Kasipul by-election demonstrated that Wanga holds greater political influence than Magwanga. It will be difficult for Magwanga to defeat her,” Ondiek said.

Ondiek also argued that Magwanga should have resigned much earlier.

“His resignation was long overdue. He should have stepped down earlier because there was no justification for continuing to earn a salary without working,” Ondiek said.

Political analyst Michael Agwanga said Magwanga’s resignation could help safeguard his political future.

Agwanga noted that the move allows him to clearly signal his political direction to his supporters well in advance.

“This decision enables his supporters to understand his political path early enough and decide whether to back him. It also shields him from accusations of earning a salary without working,” Agwanga said.

Former Homa Bay County Assembly Speaker Julius Gaya also praised Magwanga for stepping down.

Gaya said he had similarly resigned from his position due to frustrations caused by the county’s executive arm.

“What Magwanga has done is appropriate. The level of dictatorship in the county government makes it difficult to work, which is why I also chose to resign,” Gaya said.

Office locked

Magwanga resigned over what he described as unbearable frustration and difficulties allegedly orchestrated by Governor Wanga.

He announced his resignation during a press conference in Oyugis on February 26.

The former Kasipul MP said the governor had made it impossible for him to continue performing his duties as deputy governor.

“Today, after deep reflection and consultations with leaders, supporters and my family, I have resolved to resign from the office of deputy governor with immediate effect,” Magwanga said.

He noted that he had endeavoured to discharge his duties with integrity and loyalty to the people.

Magwanga said his frustrations began in December last year when he was denied access to his office at the county government headquarters.

“I was consequently compelled to proceed on early annual leave under involuntary circumstances,” he said.

He added that he remained locked out even after his leave lapsed in January, making it impossible for him to resume his official duties.

Magwanga also claimed that Governor Wanga withdrew the official vehicle assigned to his office.

“While undertaking official duty in Nairobi, the vehicle assigned to my office was repossessed without prior notice,” he said.

According to Magwanga, these actions rendered his office functionally inoperative and made it impossible for him to serve the people of Homa Bay.

He said he ultimately chose to resign because he could not continue to draw public funds without serving the people.

“I firmly believe that public office is a sacred trust. I cannot, in good conscience, continue to earn a salary funded by the taxpayers of Homa Bay County while being deliberately prevented from performing the work they elected me to do. Leadership must be anchored in respect for institutions, constitutionalism and mutual trust. I therefore step aside with dignity and clarity of conscience,” he said.

Magwanga also pledged to continue advocating for integrity and prudent management of public resources in Homa Bay County.