Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has stirred a storm that honestly feels bigger than what anyone expected after she abruptly stripped her deputy, Oyugi Magwanga, of the Agriculture docket.
And people in the county are talking. A lot. Some of them even say her behaviour lately has been too emotional, too reactional and at times confusing.
The move came just days after the chaotic Kasipul by-election, which was already heating up Homa Bay politics.
Now with everything happening at once, many locals feel like Wanga is operating on her own wavelength, reading her own script.
Magwanga’s removal is widely seen as punishment for refusing to support Boyd Were, the governor’s preferred candidate.
Instead, he backed Philip Aroko, the Independent candidate who shocked many with his strong finish.
The governor did not say this directly in her official statement, but honestly, Kenyans know how politics works. When a reshuffle happens this fast, the message is usually hidden between the lines.
During a burial just days earlier, Wanga warned that anyone working in her administration must be loyal. She even reminded people how hard she struggled to become governor. It sounded like a loaded message.
You could almost hear the frustration in her tone. It is normal for leaders to have pressure but some residents felt she was a bit too charged.
Danish Onyango now takes over the Agriculture docket in an acting role while still managing Roads and Infrastructure.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga speaks during a past event. Photo: Governor Gladys Wanga Source: Facebook
Wanga also fired Lands Executive Dr Peter Ogolla and nominated Joseph Mitito to replace him. Again, all these changes dropped at once, like a sudden storm.
Inside the county, people are wondering what exactly is happening. The friction between Wanga and Magwanga goes way back to 2022 when both wanted the governor seat.
The late Raila Odinga personally had to calm the situation and merge them into one ticket. So for many people in Homa Bay, the fallout feels like a story that has been waiting to explode for years.
