Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’ has expressed regret over the resignation of Homa Bay Deputy Governor Joseph Oyugi Magwanga, terming it a “disappointing divorce” that could have been salvaged through reconciliation.
In a statement following the resignation and its acceptance by Governor Gladys Wanga, Kajwang’ said the break-up of the county’s top leadership marked a sad moment for many who had invested in the 2022 joint ticket.
“I have learnt with regret the resignation of the Deputy Governor of Homa Bay County, Joseph Oyugi Magwanga, and the subsequent acceptance by Governor Gladys Wanga,” Kajwang’ said.
He noted that the Wanga-Magwanga ticket in the 2022 General Election was crafted by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, describing it as a “team of rivals” assembled to usher in hope and development for the lakeside county.
“The joint ticket between Governor Wanga and her Deputy in the 2022 elections was crafted by HE Raila Odinga. It was a team of rivals which we hoped would usher in a new era of hope and development. I played a central role in uniting this team when I acted as their election campaign chair,” he said.
Using a metaphor of marriage, the Senator likened the political fallout to a divorce that could have benefited from mediation.
“As a matchmaker, and on behalf of many who believed in the duo, this divorce is disappointing. If I were a judge in the matter, I would have granted a decree nisi to allow for reconciliation before a decree absolute,” Kajwang’ stated.
Now that the resignation has taken effect, Kajwang thanked Magwanga for his service to the people of Homa Bay and wished him well in his future endeavours.
“Now that it is done, I wish to thank Magwanga for his past service to the people of Homa Bay,” he said.
At the same time, he challenged Governor Wanga to reflect on the circumstances that led to the split, warning that unresolved issues could resurface.
“I also encourage Governor Wanga to critically reflect on the reasons that led to the divorce. If substantive concerns are swept under the carpet, the same fate could befall the next Deputy Governor,” he cautioned.
Kajwang emphasised that leaders from the county had deliberately maintained peace to allow the administration to deliver on its development agenda.
“As leaders from Homa Bay, we have given the county government space and peace to implement their development plans. This does not mean that Homa Bay County is perfect; it is an acknowledgement that conflict scares progress. Peace is a very deliberate undertaking to prevent war,” he said.
He urged the county leadership to capitalise on the goodwill among residents and focus on service delivery.
“Let us harvest this goodwill and invest in an efficient and people-focused government. The people must come first, not the leaders,” Kajwang added.
Wanga confirmed that she had received and accepted a resignation letter dated February 26 from Magwanga, who cited “persistent and irreconcilable differences.”
This, while declaring the position vacant with immediate effect.
“Pursuant to Article 181(1) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, and Section 32C(b) of the County Governments Act, 2012, I hereby declare the Office of the Deputy Governor, Homa Bay County, vacant with effect from 26th February 2026,” Wanga said.
The governor assured residents that county operations would continue uninterrupted as the constitutional process to fill the vacancy begins.
Magwanga, who addressed the media on Thursday, said he was leaving office with a clear conscience and remained committed to advocating for integrity and prudent management of public resources.
“I leave office with my conscience clear and my commitment to the people of Homa Bay County unwavering,” Magwanga said.
He also declared his intention to contest the Homa Bay gubernatorial seat in the 2027 General Elections.
Magwanga’s resignation marks the culmination of a deteriorating working relationship that had played out both politically and legally over the past year.
