Governor Gladys Wanga has removed Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga from the Agriculture docket in a fresh cabinet reshuffle that exposes the deepening friction inside her administration.
Her new changes come at a moment when loyalty battles in Homa Bay have intensified, and she appears determined to restructure her government to deal with rising internal defiance.
The tension between the two leaders became clear during the Kasipul by-election, where Magwanga openly supported Phillip Aroko, a rival candidate running against Boyd Were, the ODM choice that Wanga had endorsed.
Magwanga argued that Boyd’s nomination was unfair and claimed it was influenced by outside forces, but his public stand created a political storm that widened the gap between him and the governor.
His decision to campaign against the governor’s preferred candidate signaled a deeper conflict that had been building quietly within the county’s leadership. Wanga responded by taking decisive action.
In her executive order issued on December 1, 2025, she stripped Magwanga of his Agriculture role and reassigned the duties to Danish Onyango, who will now continue heading Roads, Public Works, Transport and Infrastructure while also acting as the temporary head of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock Development.
This move clearly reduced Magwanga’s influence in county operations, leaving him with only his constitutional role as deputy governor.
The reshuffle went further with the dismissal of Dr Peter Ogolla from the Lands, Physical Planning, Housing and Urban Development docket.
Wanga nominated Joseph Mitito to replace him, pending approval by the County Assembly. She directed the County Secretary to ensure a smooth transition in all the affected departments, making it clear that the changes were both strategic and urgent.
These moves reflect a governor ready to reorganize her team to strengthen her hold on power as political divisions become more open.
After the by-election confrontation, Wanga addressed the issue with firm and unapologetic language. She warned county officials who oppose her leadership that they should step aside instead of working against her administration.
Her statement, “Someone cannot be working in your administration and speaking ill of the same administration because getting to be the leader of a government is very difficult,” showed her unwillingness to accommodate dissent from those holding senior positions.
The message was aimed not only at Magwanga but also at any other official considering defying her decisions.
However, while the governor can remove additional responsibilities from the deputy governor, she cannot fire him outright. Kenyan law protects the office of the deputy governor, making removal a difficult process that requires the County Assembly to initiate a motion supported by two-thirds of its members, followed by an investigation and approval by the Senate.
This means Magwanga will remain in office unless a strong political effort is launched to remove him.Even without dismissing him, Wanga’s reshuffle has weakened Magwanga’s position and sent a clear signal that she will no longer tolerate internal resistance.
Her latest actions show a leader tightening control, redefining her administration, and preparing for a more disciplined government as Homa Bay politics continue to evolve.
