James Gakuya, the Member of Parliament for Embakasi North, has expressed his disapproval of Governor Gladys Wanga’s action in relieving her deputy, Oyugi Magwanga, of his duties as the County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock.
Governor Gladys Wanga’s decision follows closely on the heels of Magwanga’s public divergence from the ODM party’s stance, as he supported the independent candidate Philip Aroko in the recent Kasipul parliamentary by-election.
The governor’s office has announced that Danish Onyango, currently the CEC for Roads, Public Works, Transport, and Infrastructure, will temporarily assume responsibility for the agriculture portfolio.
Furthermore, in a related change, Peter Ogolla, who led the department of Lands, Physical Planning, Housing, and Urban Development and is known to be an ally of Magwanga, has been replaced by Joseph Mitito.
Gakuya’s Critique of Overreach
During an interview on a local television channel on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, Gakuya strongly criticized Governor Wanga’s decision to remove Magwanga from his office and executive roles without adhering to proper procedures.
He stated, “Wanga is well aware that the concept of broad-based representation, which she frequently emphasizes, is not legally mandated. Therefore, she should not be the first to cast blame on her deputy. While she acknowledges broad-based representation, she must also recognize that her deputy possesses the autonomy to make choices.”
Gakuya emphasized that the deputy governor is an independently elected official, not someone subject to the governor’s arbitrary discipline. He further commented, “The deputy governor is not intended to be a mere figurehead, and there are established procedures for disciplining a deputy governor.”
Gakuya explained the proper constitutional process, stating that the deputy’s fate must first be decided by the county assembly, not by the governor herself. Subsequently, the senate would then determine if the proceedings were in order.
He also criticized Wanga for her alleged arrogance, asserting that barring the deputy from her office was an act of self-aggrandisement, treating the deputy as a mere puppet compelled to submit, which he deemed unacceptable.
This recent discord brings back recollections of the intense 2022 ODM gubernatorial nominations where Wanga and Magwanga were rivals. A resolution brokered by party leader Raila Odinga ultimately led to Wanga assuming the governorship, with Magwanga accepting the deputy position.
What was initially portrayed as a unifying ticket now seems to be disintegrating due to issues of party allegiance and political aspirations in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.
