Magwanga tendered his resignation on February 26, 2026, bringing to an end months of simmering tensions within the Homa Bay county leadership. In his resignation statement delivered in Oyugis, he cited what he described as persistent and irreconcilable differences with the governor.
The former deputy governor claimed he had been frustrated in the execution of his duties. Among his grievances, he alleged that his office had remained locked since December 2025 and that he had been deprived of official facilitation, including access to a government vehicle.
He maintained that the circumstances made it difficult for him to effectively discharge his constitutional mandate.
Magwanga stated that after consultations with his supporters and family, he resolved to step down rather than continue drawing a public salary while unable to fully serve the people of Homa Bay. He also confirmed his intention to vie for the Homa Bay gubernatorial seat in the 2027 General Election.
In her response, Governor Wanga formally acknowledged and accepted the resignation, declaring the position of deputy governor vacant in accordance with the Constitution and the County Governments Act.
She assured residents that county operations would continue uninterrupted as the administration initiates the legal process of filling the vacancy.
Wanga downplayed the political impact of the resignation, saying the decision did not come as a surprise.
According to her, Magwanga had increasingly shifted his focus toward early campaigns for 2027, which she argued undermined unity and efficiency within the county executive.
The governor further stated that her administration had previously entrusted Magwanga with additional responsibilities, including oversight of the Agriculture and Livestock Development docket, to strengthen service delivery. She maintained that the county government remained committed to its development agenda despite the leadership changes.
The fallout between the two leaders had been evident in recent months. Political observers point to disagreements during the Kasipul parliamentary by election period in late 2025, where the two leaders appeared to back different political positions, as a sign of deepening divisions.
Magwanga’s resignation now sets the stage for a potentially competitive 2027 gubernatorial race in Homa Bay, with political realignments expected in the coming months.
As the county navigates the transition, attention will shift to how quickly a new deputy governor is nominated and approved, and how the evolving political dynamics will shape governance and development in the region.