The political fabric of Homa Bay County is fraying as a public feud between Governor Gladys Wanga and her deputy, Oyugi Magwanga, has reached a boiling point, drawing in community elders who are now demanding accountability.

This escalating conflict is more than just a political sideshow; it strikes at the heart of governance and threatens to stall essential services for the residents of Homa Bay. The fallout, ignited during the recent Kasipul parliamentary by-election, has now seen Magwanga stripped of his key cabinet role, a move analysts warn could destabilize the county's leadership.

A By-Election Breaks the Alliance

The fragile truce between Wanga and Magwanga, who were united by ODM leader Raila Odinga for the 2022 election, shattered during the heated Kasipul by-election. Governor Wanga, in her capacity as ODM's national chairperson, threw her weight behind the party's candidate, Boyd Were. In a bold act of defiance, Deputy Governor Magwanga backed an independent candidate, Philip Aroko, citing an unfair ODM nomination process.

The public divergence escalated quickly. Wanga issued a stern warning to dissenting officials in her administration, telling them to resign if they were not aligned with her agenda. The challenge was met with her decisive action on December 1, when she removed Magwanga from his influential post as the County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Agriculture.

Elders Step In With Sharp Rebuke

Voicing the community's growing concern, a section of Rachuonyo elders publicly confronted Governor Wanga on Wednesday. They criticized her recent remarks and actions, warning that her leadership style was sowing division. The elders questioned her focus, suggesting her dual role as ODM chairperson was conflicting with her duties as governor.

"Your utterances of late do not show the quality of leadership," one elder stated, directly challenging the governor. They condemned the removal of Magwanga from his cabinet position as a politically motivated punishment that undermines the democratic rights of leaders.

Governance on the Line

The infighting is already having tangible effects, with reports of Magwanga's office staff being locked out of the county headquarters. Such disruptions fuel concerns that the political turmoil will directly impact county projects and the delivery of basic services, from agriculture to infrastructure. Political analysts have noted that such confrontations can complicate governance and require urgent mediation to prevent a complete stall.

The situation is further complicated by broader allegations of financial mismanagement within the county, with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) previously flagging Homa Bay for corruption risks. With the 2027 elections on the horizon, the current standoff is seen as an early start to a political battle that could define the future of Homa Bay. As one ODM official noted, the deputy governor's actions have "sent a bad picture" about unity, potentially sparking deeper wrangles.

As the leaders trade blows, the residents of Homa Bay are left to wonder who is steering the ship. The elders have made their position clear, but it remains to be seen if their intervention can pull the county's leadership back from the brink.