Former Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga speaks in Rangwe constituency/Robert Omollo
Former Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga has claimed he resigned because Governor Gladys Wanga stopped prioritising the needs of the people.
Magwanga said they had a strong manifesto, which they used during the election campaign to convince Homa Bay residents to vote for them.
Wanga was elected alongside Magwanga in the 2022 General Election after ODM handed them the party ticket.
Former ODM leader Raila Odinga intervened by persuading Magwanga, who was also seeking the party ticket for governor, to become Wanga's running mate. The pair later won the election after agreeing to work together.
However, Magwanga resigned from his position earlier this year after serving for about three years, citing frustrations within Wanga's administration.
Former Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga with Rangwe MP aspirant Calvince Okello in the constituency/Robert Omollo
"The governor abandoned the provision of clean water to the people. Most health facilities in Homa Bay don't have drugs, but when I tried to raise these issues in Cabinet, I encountered many obstacles and eventually resigned," Magwanga said.
Speaking at a funeral in Gem East Ward, Rangwe Constituency, Magwanga urged Homa Bay residents to reject Wanga's bid for a second term.
The former Kasipul MP has already declared his interest in the governor's seat, arguing that his track record makes him the best candidate.
During his tenure as MP, he was reportedly ranked first in the utilisation of the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF).
Magwanga said he would implement meaningful development projects that directly improve people's lives.
He pledged to deliver if elected governor in the 2027 General Election.
"My leadership will ensure contractors are paid on time to enable them to service their loans and boost money circulation in the county. Let's not gamble with the county leadership again," he said.
In the company of Rangwe MP aspirants Calvince Okello and Michael Ogallo, the former deputy governor said he would prioritise agriculture to enhance food security and strengthen value chains to create more jobs for young people.
"Homa Bay is endowed with fertile land that can greatly support agriculture if budget allocations to the sector are utilised well. There will be no need to seek relief food if I am elected," Magwanga said.
He also pledged to construct a Level Four hospital in every ward and establish a doctors' plaza to provide consultancy services.
The former MP said he would reorganise all sectors to accelerate development.
"Through partnerships, we will build a cancer centre in Homa Bay. A mother-and-child hospital will also be constructed to reduce maternal and newborn mortality rates," he added.
Okello urged residents to elect competent leaders capable of transforming their lives.
He cautioned voters against falling for propaganda peddled by politicians who do not have the public's interests at heart.
"Rangwe Constituency has not developed to the level it should have. We must elect a leader who is committed to development," Okello said.
