Why Governor Wanga is facing political storm in 2027 Homa Bay gubernatorial race
By Aloys Michael, March 1, 2026Homa Bay County Governor Gladys Wanga is navigating choppy political waters as the 2027 gubernatorial race looms, with her position increasingly under scrutiny despite narrowly winning in 2022.
Her national profile, anchored by her role as the chairperson of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and vocal about the broad-based government, has not shielded her from mounting local challenges.
Wanga’s main adversary, former Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga, recently resigned, citing persistent political and administrative differences with the governor.
“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 stated.
“Today, after a deep reflection and consultation with leaders, supporters and my family, I have resolved to resign from the office of the Deputy Governor with immediate effect.”
The departure of Magwanga, who was once a key ally, signals a significant rift within Homa Bay’s county leadership, just five years after a closely contested election.
Wanga-Omollo tiff
The fallout has extended beyond the Wanga–Magwanga relationship. Political observers point to the behind-the-scenes manoeuvres of Internal Security Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, whose interactions in the county are said to be unsettling the governor.
Reports indicate that Wanga sought to discipline four Homa Bay Members of the County Assembly after they met Omollo in early February 2026. Boaz Kiri (North Kabuoch), Tony Otieno (Arujo), Vickins Bondo (West Kasipul), and Pauline Omogi (nominated) were removed from House committees following their visit, which they claimed was to discuss development matters and the upcoming 2027 presidential campaign.
The saga has sparked protests in parts of Nyanza, reflecting a growing divide over whether Wanga is undermining national government officials or if Omollo is interfering in county politics.
The friction has been further magnified by the Kasipul parliamentary by-election in late 2025, where Wanga accused Omollo of backing an independent candidate against ODM’s Boyd Were.
Senator Moses Otieno Kajwang’ weighed in on the matter, describing Magwanga’s resignation as a regrettable development in what had been a carefully constructed political partnership aimed at uniting rival factions for the county’s development.
Kanjwang speaks
Kajwang’ recalled that the joint Wanga–Magwanga ticket in 2022 was orchestrated by ODM leader Raila Odinga to bring together leaders from differing political persuasions.
“The joint ticket between Governor Wanga and her deputy in the 2022 elections was crafted by Raila Odinga. It was a team of rivals which we hoped would usher in a new era of hope and development. I played a central role in uniting this team when I acted as their election campaign chair. As a matchmaker and on behalf of many who believed in the duo, this divorce is disappointing. If I were a judge in the matter, I would have granted a decree nisi to allow for reconciliation before decree absolute,” Kajwang’ noted.
The senator urged Governor Wanga to reflect on the events that led to the breakdown of the working relationship and emphasised that political instability could stall the county’s development agenda.
“Leaders in Homa Bay had intentionally given the county government space to implement its development agenda. Rivalry at this point could disrupt service delivery and derail progress,” he added.
Wanga’s challenges are a combination of internal dissent, strained alliances, and political rivalries spilling from the national stage into local governance. The resignation of a deputy perceived as a unifying figure, coupled with accusations of selective exclusion and disputes over party loyalty, has left Wanga vulnerable at a critical moment.
As Homa Bay approaches the 2027 polls, the governor faces a delicate balancing act: consolidating party support, managing adversarial relationships with influential officials like Omollo, and responding to the growing ambitions of political rivals such as Magwanga.
The county’s political chessboard, already volatile after the 2022 elections, is now becoming an intense test of Wanga’s leadership and political acumen.