Political Turmoil in Homa Bay as Deputy Governor Magwanga Faces Impeachment Threat

Homa Bay County is bracing for a major political upheaval as Deputy Governor Hamilton Orata Magwanga is widely expected to tender his resignation in the wake of an impending impeachment motion at the County Assembly. Sources within the assembly confirm that plans to table the motion are at an advanced stage, signaling what could be the most dramatic shake-up in the county’s leadership since the 2022 general elections.

Magwanga’s political troubles come amid escalating tensions with Governor Gladys Wanga, under whom he has served for the past two years. The rift between the two top county officials has widened over time, with insiders citing irreconcilable differences in governance approaches, control over county resources, and 2027 succession politics as the root causes of the fallout.

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and her deputy Joseph Oyugi Magwanga during a past meeting.

Adding fuel to the fire, Magwanga was conspicuously absent at the recent funeral of the late Hon. Sir Charles Ong’ondo Were, his successor as Kasipul MP and longtime political adversary. The omission was not lost on political observers and residents, many of whom interpreted the move as a calculated political statement. Were’s death has not only left a leadership vacuum in Kasipul constituency but also exposed deepening divisions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party ranks in the county.

A Political Titan on the Rebound

Despite his current tribulations, Magwanga remains one of the most influential and seasoned politicians in Homa Bay County. Having previously served as Kasipul MP and contested for the governorship in 2017, his grassroots appeal and ability to galvanize support across ethnic and demographic lines make him a formidable player in the county’s politics.

Analysts suggest that far from being a political death knell, the impeachment saga may be a calculated move to sideline him ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial race. With his popularity on the rise and his strategic networks expanding, Magwanga is increasingly seen as the main challenger to Governor Wanga’s re-election bid.

Emergence of Hon. Philip Aroko: The Next Political Disruptor?

One of Magwanga’s key allies is Hon. Philip Aroko, a youthful and dynamic figure who is rapidly gaining traction within the ODM party. Aroko was considered a leading contender to replace Ong’ondo Were and has attracted support from reform-minded youth and middle-class voters who are eager for a new brand of leadership.

Magwanga’s open support for Aroko has added a new dimension to the political chessboard, pitting his faction against the established order that supports Governor Wanga and her close allies. If Aroko secures the ODM ticket for Kasipul and wins in a potential by-election or in 2027, it would further cement Magwanga’s influence in county politics.

2027: The Battle Lines Are Drawn

With the specter of impeachment looming and alliances shifting, the political landscape in Homa Bay is becoming increasingly volatile. The county, long considered a stronghold of the ODM party, is now witnessing growing factionalism and competition for supremacy within its own ranks.

Governor Wanga, who made history as the first female governor of the county, now faces an uphill battle to consolidate her authority and ward off Magwanga’s growing influence. Her ability to navigate these political undercurrents and manage dissent within her administration may well determine her political survival.

As the countdown to 2027 begins, the residents of Homa Bay can expect heightened political activity, intense mobilization, and perhaps more surprises in a county where politics is deeply intertwined with identity, history, and power.