Homa Bay Deputy Governor Joseph Oyugi Magwanga has issued a fierce condemnation after his office, along with the County Secretary and Payroll Management offices, was allegedly locked in what he terms an unlawful and politically charged assault on county governance.
In a strongly worded statement on Monday, Magwanga said the action was “unethical, illegal and an alarming display of blatant impunity and abuse of power.”
He accused unnamed political players of engineering a calculated attempt to cripple his operations, calling the incident “a shameful and retrogressive assault on public administration.”
“Locking up government offices over political disagreements is an intolerable attack on our democratic institutions and the rule of law,” Magwanga declared.
“This is a calculated political power play aimed directly at undermining my office and obstructing the functions of county governance.”
He added that other affected offices were merely “collateral damage in this reckless scheme,” signalling what he described as rising intolerance for dissent and disregard for public interest.
Magwanga reminded county officials that public institutions are not personal assets, stressing that they exist to serve citizens.
“Public service demands respect, civility and an unwavering commitment to the welfare of the citizens we serve, not petty political vendettas,” he said.
“Imprisoning public offices in political standoffs strips our government of integrity, stalls essential services, and threatens the democratic principles that are the foundation of our county.”
He called on Governor Gladys Wanga to take decisive action against those behind the closure and to ensure immediate reopening of all affected offices.
“I call upon H.E. Governor Gladys Wanga to reign in those involved, reverse these unlawful closures, restore access to all locked offices, and recommit to serving the people with honour and fairness,” Magwanga urged.
The deputy governor emphasized that political disputes must be resolved through lawful, respectful dialogue, not intimidation or exclusion.
He concluded by urging leadership that puts citizens first, promotes unity, and safeguards the rule of law in Homa Bay.
The escalation comes just a day after Governor Wanga issued an executive order reshuffling the County Executive Committee. In the directive seen by The Kenyan Tabloid, Wanga reassigned Danish Onyango, CEC for Roads, Public Works, Transport and Infrastructure, to concurrently serve as acting CEC for Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, a portfolio previously held by Magwanga.
The governor also dismissed Dr Peter Ogolla, the CEC for Lands, Physical Planning, Housing and Urban Development, and nominated Joseph Mitito to take over.
The sweeping changes mirror Governor Wanga’s earlier public stance that officials unwilling to align with ODM party policies should “shape up or ship out,” signalling a deepening political rift within the county’s top leadership.
