Senator Godfrey Osotsi, the Deputy Party Leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), has publicly accused Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga of sidelining party members personally brought into ODM by Raila Odinga.

In a post on X dated February 26, 2026, Osotsi wrote: “Hon @gladyswanga is going against and fighting all the people Baba Raila ODINGA brought into ODM. Baba wanted Gladys Wanga and her Deputy Oyugi Magwanga to work together. She has fought him out. Homa Bay Politics will be something to pay attention to. #LindaMwananchi @TheODMparty.”

Osotsi’s statement was accompanied by an image showing the late Raila Odinga, Wanga, and Magwanga. The remarks highlight what he describes as Wanga’s deliberate undermining of a collaborative arrangement brokered by Raila before the 2022 elections, raising concerns about growing fractures within ODM, particularly in Nyanza.

Magwanga resigns amid tensions

The accusations coincided with Deputy Governor Joseph Oyugi Magwanga’s formal resignation, citing months of marginalisation that hindered his ability to execute his duties.

In his resignation letter, Magwanga recalled: “In 2022, I accepted the honour of serving as the running mate for Her Excellency Gladys Wanga after consultations presided over by the late former prime minister and ODM party leader Raila Odinga.” He stressed his commitment to serve Homa Bay faithfully under the Constitution.

Tensions escalated after the Kasipul by-election in late 2025, when Magwanga defied ODM directives by supporting independent candidate Philip Aroko instead of the party’s nominee Boyd Were.

Following Were’s win, Wanga stripped Magwanga of his additional portfolio as County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock Development, assigning it to Danish Onyango on an acting basis. Other close allies of Magwanga, including Peter Ogolla in the Lands docket, were similarly reassigned or dismissed.

Rift sets stage for 2027 elections

Further disputes arose when county services moved to a new headquarters. Magwanga refused to occupy his office, citing it had been “bewitched,” and later discovered the office locks had been changed, barring access.

He described the move as a constitutional violation and an effort to sideline him while continuing to draw a salary.

Following consultations with leaders, supporters, and family, Magwanga resigned, announcing plans to run for Homa Bay governor in 2027. He has accused Wanga of mismanagement, failure to pay contractors, and placing personal ambitions over public service.

Wanga’s camp responded sharply. County Executive Committee Member for Finance Solomon Obiero challenged Magwanga to resign if he planned to campaign against the governor, arguing it was untenable to serve while “backbiting” his boss. Wanga, who also serves as ODM National Chairperson, has dismissed claims of divisions, calling for unity to protect Raila’s legacy.

With Magwanga free to campaign and senior figures like Osotsi openly questioning Wanga’s loyalty, political tensions in Homa Bay are set to intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.