Former Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga at Gina Catholic Church in South Kabuoch, Ndhiwa constituency/Robert Omollo
Former Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga has called on National Treasury CS John Mbadi to stop meddling in county political affairs.
Magwanga argued that Mbadi is now above partisan politics, saying such actions will interfere with the rights of Homa Bay residents to elect a governor of their choice during the 2027 General Election.
Magwanga accused Mbadi of endorsing the re-election campaigns of his former boss and current Governor Gladys Wanga.
The Cabinet Secretary was reported to have urged Homa Bay residents to re-elect Wanga on the grounds that she is best suited for the job.
During a fundraiser at Sombro SDA in Kochia Ward, Rangwe Constituency, the Cabinet Secretary repeated the statement, saying he does not see anyone capable of defeating Wanga in her re-election bid.
The remarks have not gone down well with Magwanga, who is seeking to oust Wanga in the 2027 General Election.
Magwanga told Mbadi not to fear Wanga after she is defeated in the 2027 Homa Bay gubernatorial election.
Former Homa Bay County Assembly speaker Julius Gaya, former Homa Bay deputy governor Oyugi Magwanga and Kanyaluo MCA Jeff Ongoro at the Gina Catholic Church in South Kabuoch Ward, Ndhiwa constituency/Robert Omollo
Magwanga alleged that Mbadi's endorsement of Wanga stems from fears that she could be appointed a Cabinet Secretary and become his rival.
“Let Mbadi not fear and endorse Wanga's re-election bid because people are tired of her. Homa Bay residents want change and they shouldn't be forced to vote for Wanga again,” Magwanga said.
Speaking during a fundraiser at St Albernus Gina Catholic Church in South Kabuoch Ward, Ndhiwa Constituency, Magwanga told Mbadi to allow Homa Bay residents to exercise their democratic rights by voting for a governor of their choice.
In the company of MCAs Jefferson Ongoro (Kanyaluo) and Victor Okoth (Kaksingri West), and former Homa Bay County Assembly Speaker Julius Gaya, Magwanga said he and his supporters are ready to stand with Mbadi should he contest the presidency in 2032.
Mbadi has reportedly declared his interest in the presidency in the 2032 election.
The former deputy governor said Wanga has underperformed and should not be re-elected in the 2027 General Election.
“Homa Bay has received over Sh36 billion from the Exchequer, but nothing tangible has been done. The Homa Bay government is corrupt, and that's why I resigned,” he said.
Magwanga argued that Wanga refused to implement the manifesto they sold to the people during their election campaigns.
When contacted, Mbadi said he was not ready to respond to Magwanga's claims.
Magwanga resigned earlier this year and promised to compete against Wanga in the 2027 governorship election. He cited frustration and corruption as the reasons for his resignation.
“I'll support you (Mbadi) in your presidential bid and probably deliver votes for you. What we want is for you (Mbadi) to stop imposing a failure on the people of Homa Bay as governor,” Magwanga said.
Gaya alleged that Governor Wanga had failed the people who overwhelmingly voted for her in the 2022 elections.
He said Magwanga is best suited for the governor's seat because he has a proven track record.
“Do not sympathise and vote for Wanga because she's a woman. We want service delivery for the people,” Gaya said.
Ongoro and Okoth said they are not ready for another government that has failed the integrity and accountability tests.
Ongoro urged residents to ensure they vote for Magwanga in the next election.
“We are out to rescue the people of Homa Bay from the yoke of misuse of public resources. Let's make Magwanga the Homa Bay governor in 2027,” Ongoro said.
