‘I’ve Had Enough’ Magwanga Details Tribulations After Kasipul Defiance Amid Rift Governor Wanga

Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga has spoken out for the first time about a deepening political dispute between him and Governor Gladys Wanga, saying he is being punished for making an independent political choice.

In a rare public address, Magwanga said his working conditions have become unbearable following his decision to support a candidate outside the dominant party line during the recent Kasipul by-election.

According to him, the fallout has left him sidelined within the county government.

The deputy governor revealed that his office at the county headquarters has been inaccessible for several days, leaving him without a space to operate from or perform his official duties.

He also said key responsibilities previously assigned to him were withdrawn without explanation.

“I report to work every day, but there is nothing for me to do,” Magwanga said.

“I no longer have an office or a department to manage, yet I was elected to serve the people.”

Magwanga explained that he previously oversaw the agriculture docket, a role that was agreed upon after the 2022 elections.

He claims the arrangement was meant to promote teamwork at the county level but has since been quietly dismantled.

He linked the alleged mistreatment to his public support for a candidate who was not officially backed by the dominant party in Kasipul.

According to the deputy governor, the decision angered senior leaders and triggered what he described as political retaliation.

Despite the tension, Magwanga insisted the disagreement is political rather than personal.

He said he has no personal conflict with Governor Wanga and had initially hoped the situation would resolve itself without public attention.

“I stayed silent because I believed dialogue would prevail,” he said. “But the situation has continued, and I felt it was important to speak.”

Although he continues to draw his salary and observe official working hours, Magwanga said being idle while county residents expect service has been frustrating and embarrassing.

He also defended his actions, saying leaders should not be punished for exercising their democratic rights.

He warned that intolerance within political parties could discourage independent thinking and weaken democratic values.

The county government has not issued an official response to the claims, leaving uncertainty about how the dispute will be resolved.