Tension is rising in Homa Bay County after Governor Gladys Wanga openly confronted her critics and demanded the resignation of county officials siding with her deputy, Oyugi Magwanga.
The bold move has shaken the county power structure and exposed the silent war that has been building inside her administration. Wanga now stands firmly on the offensive, insisting that loyalty is not optional.
Her remarks have triggered debate about discipline, governance ethics, and the future of ODM’s political dominance in the region.
Governor Wanga Fallout With Deputy Deepens Political Divide in Homa Bay
Governor Gladys Wanga has launched a direct assault on dissent within her administration. At a charged rally in Homa Bay, she told her critics to “resign and go” if they could not work under her leadership. The message was clear. She would not entertain internal rebellion, especially from officers who campaigned against her official party candidate in the Kasipul parliamentary by-election.
Her target was obvious. Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga had defied the ODM leadership by backing Independent candidate Philip Aroko against ODM’s Boyd Were. Wanga interpreted this move not only as political betrayal but an attack on the legitimacy of her administration.
Wanga reminded the crowd of the long journey she took to win the governor’s seat. She highlighted her personal sacrifices, sleepless nights, and extensive grassroots campaigns funded partly from her own pocket. Through her speech, she attempted to reclaim moral authority and position herself as the unifying figure who had earned her leadership through struggle.
She accused dissenting officials of hypocrisy. To her, one cannot work within her government and simultaneously sabotage it. She dismissed such behaviour as dishonesty and urged those involved to exit voluntarily before being pushed out.
Wanga Declares Zero Tolerance for Internal Sabotage
Governor Wanga made it clear that her administration would no longer tolerate officials who undermine her leadership. She insisted that discipline must be the cornerstone of county governance. In her view, dissent within government ranks weakens service delivery and distracts from development goals.
Her comments signaled a shift toward a more aggressive leadership style. She said officials unwilling to cooperate would be removed, stressing that their positions could quickly be filled by individuals ready to work. This declaration was not just a warning. It was a threat backed by political will.
Wanga portrayed herself as a leader under siege from insiders questioning her authority. She directly linked internal saboteurs to the deputy governor’s recent conduct, presenting their defiance as a coordinated effort aimed at weakening her grip on the county.
Fallout Intensifies After Magwanga Rejects ODM Nomination Outcome
The fallout between Wanga and Magwanga began shortly before the Kasipul by-election. Magwanga openly rejected the ODM nomination that produced Boyd Were as the party’s candidate. He claimed the process was flawed, unfair, and pushed by forces that did not respect democratic participation.
Instead of backing his boss or the party he serves under, Magwanga campaigned for Independent candidate Philip Aroko. By doing so, he directly challenged Wanga’s authority and the political machinery of ODM in Homa Bay.
This move unsettled the party’s leadership. Homa Bay is an ODM stronghold, and disunity at this level threatens to weaken its influence. Wanga’s aggressive response reflected the party’s fear that Magwanga’s rebellion might inspire further dissent.
Magwanga, however, has not retreated. His decision to support Aroko signaled his readiness to operate outside Wanga’s political shadow. For many residents, the fallout marks the beginning of a deeper struggle over power, influence, and control of county politics.
Battle for Political Control Shapes Future of Homa Bay Governance
The clash between Wanga and Magwanga is more than a disagreement over campaign choices. It reveals a fractured leadership that may derail key county operations. Political analysts argue that this battle could redefine alliances ahead of future elections.
Wanga’s insistence that critics resign suggests that she is preparing for a new political realignment within the county. Her hardline message positions her as a strict leader unwilling to entertain opposition from within.
Magwanga’s defiance, on the other hand, indicates that the deputy governor is carving his own political path, possibly preparing for a future contest.
For now, Homa Bay remains on edge. The fallout continues to expose the cracks within the county leadership, raising concerns about stability, development priorities, and ODM’s internal discipline.
What started as a disagreement over a by-election candidate has transformed into a full-blown leadership crisis. The coming months will determine whether Wanga consolidates control or whether Magwanga’s rebellion reshapes the county’s political landscape.
