Intense political lobbying is underway in Homa Bay County as Governor Gladys Wanga prepares to nominate her new deputy following the resignation of former Kasipul MP Oyugi Magwanga.
In Kenya, a deputy governor can resign by submitting a formal resignation letter to the governor. Vacancies may also arise due to death, impeachment or incapacity. Once a vacancy occurs, the governor has 14 days to nominate a replacement for approval by the County Assembly, as guided by Article 149 of the Constitution.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and her former deputy Oyugi Magwanga address journalists at the county headquarters on September 12, 2022.
Photo credit: George Odiwuor | Nation Media Group
Given the timing of Mr Magwanga’s resignation, Ms Wanga has until March 12 to nominate a new deputy, who will serve for the remaining 17 months until the 2027 elections. The ODM national chairperson will later decide whether the nominee remains her running mate in the campaign or is replaced.
Several candidates have expressed interest in the position. The governor may choose to elevate someone from the county government or pick an individual from outside the administration. Many of the aspirants are men, using gender balance as a bargaining tool since the governor is a woman.
Among those whose names have featured prominently are Finance and Economic Planning Executive Solomon Obiero, County Secretary Prof Bernard Muok, Assembly Speaker Polycarp Okombo, Governance Chief Officer Isaack Ongiri, businessman Hillary Alila, Roads and Public Works Executive Danish Onyango and former Health Executive Prof Richard Muga.
ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga addresses the public during a rally at Kamukunji grounds in Kibera, Nairobi County on January 14, 2026.
Photo credit: Dennis Onsongo | Nation Media Group
It is widely expected the governor is likely to announce her choice during her State of the County address on Wednesday.
Ms Wanga faces several considerations before settling on a nominee including regional balance. In Homa Bay, an unwritten pre-election agreement during the advent of devolution ensures that all regions of Rachuonyo (Kabondo Kasipul, Karachuonyo, Kasipul), Ndhiwa, Suba (Suba North, Suba South) and Rangwe (Homa Bay Town, Rangwe) are represented in county positions.
In 2013, former Governor Cyprian Awiti from Rachuonyo won the election alongside Deputy Hamilton Orata from Ndhiwa. Ms Wanga, who served as Woman Representative from 2013 to 2022, comes from Rangwe, while the late Senator Otieno Kajwang hailed from Suba.
In 2017, regional balance continued with Senator Moses Kajwang succeeding his brother and Rachuonyo securing the Woman Representative seat.
During the last campaign, Ms Wanga picked Mr Magwanga from Kasipul (Rachuonyo) as her running mate. She had to balance county appointments by placing Prof Muok as County Secretary and Head of County Public Service. Regional balance will again be a key factor in her upcoming nomination.
Mr Obiero has served as County Finance Executive since 2022 while Mr Ongiri, Chief Officer for Governance, Administration and Devolution, is an influential grassroots mobiliser from Kasipul.
Mr Ongiri played a key role in ODM’s Boyd Were’s victory in the Kasipul by-election last year. Mr Obiero, a trained procurement expert, is seen as strong in resource mobilisation.
Other aspirants include Hillary Alila, who hails from Ndhiwa and commands significant youth support and has previously contested the Homa Bay senatorial seat; Danish Onyango, Prof Muga and Prof Muok.
Political observers note that to maintain voter confidence in Rachuonyo after Mr Magwanga’s resignation, the new deputy should ideally come from that region. Governance expert Fred Omollo said that the nominee must have strong networks, be known to the electorate and align with the governor’s policies to facilitate the 2027 campaign.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and her former deputy Oyugi Magwanga.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
“Magwanga is already a son of the soil, and some voters will likely support him. To neutralise his influence, the governor should pick someone from the same region,” said Mr Omollo. He added that the deputy governor’s post could be used strategically to strengthen Ms Wanga’s support base.
Previously, Ms Wanga has maintained regional balance in county appointments ensuring that vacated positions were filled by individuals from the same constituencies.
Karachuonyo has been a major beneficiary, securing two cabinet slots, three chief officer positions, the County Speaker, Clerk and up to 15 directors.
Residents of Kasipul say the governor should mirror national politics in her selection. Brian Onyango noted that just as President William Ruto nominated Prof Kithure Kindiki after Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment, Ms Wanga should nominate a deputy from Kasipul to maintain regional support.
“The governor must pick someone who will help ODM retain the seat and support her governance. Political loyalty and alignment with her policies are crucial,” Mr Onyango said. Similarly, Wycliffe Ochieng from Kasipul noted that the nominee should be a man of the people who understands county government policies.
Homabay Governor Gladys Wanga arrives at Ragumo Primary School in Kisumu East Constituency for the party’s Linda Ground grassroots activation initiative on February 25, 2026.
Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo | Nation Media Group
Currently, Joash Aloo, a prominent county official from Kasipul, has presented his name at UDA as he plans to contest the parliamentary seat. However, his perceived lack of loyalty to the county administration has raised doubts among colleagues.
Residents and local leaders insist that while political strategy is important, the deputy governor should also prioritize service delivery, including access to clean water, healthcare, and other county services.
“I personally do not care who is nominated, as long as residents can access basic services and the government delivers on its promises,” said Water Opiyo of Homa Bay Bunge La Wenye Nchi.
