ODM Demands DG Magwanga’s Resignation Over Support for Independent Candidate in Kasipul

ODM officials in Homa Bay confronted Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga's support for Philip Aroko, an independent candidate in the Kasipul elections.

A segment of party insiders argued Magwanga's decision weakened unity after Aroko's loss, pointing to further divisions ahead of 2027.

Calls for Magwanga's resignation became louder from both officials and civilians, but his future move remained uncertain.

Some locals pressed for impeachment if he refused to step down, signaling a deepening schism among the county's political ranks. 

A number of party officials and people now want him to resign, alleging a violation of party allegiance and the possibility of political discord ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Sinod Okello, the ODM organising secretary for Homa Bay Sub-County, called for Magwanga's resignation, citing his public support for a candidate outside the party.

According to Okello, the deputy governor's actions portrayed a "bad picture" of county governance coherence and harmed party unity.

"The deputy governor defied party loyalty." It will be impossible for people with opposing beliefs and manifestos to collaborate," he explained.

Okello stated that, while the party may take action, Magwanga should preemptively handle the issue by quitting. 

"He should resign so that he can go and support his independent candidates with an independent mind," according to him.

Okello emphasized that the 2027 election campaigns were approaching, and Magwanga's stance suggested that his political direction differed from the ODM's.

He went on to say that in order to avoid future squabbles within the party, Magwanga should be smart enough to step down from his post in the Homa Bay County Government. 

"Before we know it, we will get into another chaos with him. Before that, the best thing he can do to himself is to resign," Okello told me.

Support for the resignation call has grown beyond Orange Party officials. Polycarp Otieno, a local and ODM member, emphasized that Magwanga must resign down or face forcible removal.

"If he doesn't resign immediately or ask for forgiveness, we will force him to. His act was disrespectful, and it would be difficult to work together with his boss," he said. 

The reaction from local citizens has been divided, with some waiting to see if the deputy governor will quit freely.

However, another segment of the population believes that impeachment is the only legitimate alternative for removing Magwanga from power.