Speaking on Saturday, Obiero said it was unacceptable for Magwanga to continue drawing a public salary as Deputy Governor while openly positioning himself against Governor Gladys Wanga, whom he has accused of mismanaging the county.
According to Obiero, any senior official planning to challenge the sitting governor should step aside and face voters without using the privileges of public office.
“If Magwanga has made up his mind to run for governor in 2027, then he should resign first,” Obiero said.
“He cannot be earning a salary as Deputy Governor while at the same time attacking his boss and campaigning against her.”
Obiero questioned how Magwanga could begin early campaigns while still occupying a key leadership position in the county government, arguing that such conduct undermines professionalism and accountability in public service.
“How can someone start campaigning while still serving as Deputy Governor? If he wants to face the governor, let him leave office and do so openly,” he added.
The finance executive further noted that the 2027 elections would largely be judged on track records, saying leaders would be required to account for what they achieved while in office.
“Let Magwanga tell the people what he has delivered for Homa Bay while serving as Deputy Governor and earlier as a Cabinet member. That is what voters will look at,” Obiero said.
For months, Magwanga has been openly critical of Governor Wanga’s administration, insisting that she has failed to meet the expectations of residents.
He has declared his intention to challenge her for the gubernatorial seat, accusing her government of financial mismanagement, delayed payments to contractors, and poor service delivery.
At several public forums, Magwanga has claimed that Wanga will only serve one term, arguing that the county is struggling to meet its basic operational obligations.
“I helped you become governor, but you have failed the people. Now it is time for accountability,” Magwanga has previously said.
Tensions between the two leaders escalated last year after Wanga relieved Magwanga of his duties as County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture and Livestock Development, a move that deepened an already strained working relationship.
Magwanga has since complained that his office remains closed and inaccessible, a situation he describes as unconstitutional and politically motivated.
“My office is still locked, and my staff cannot access it. You cannot close a public office and deny the holder access. That is a violation of the Constitution,” Magwanga said, adding that the move was aimed at weakening his position.
He described the closure as a calculated attempt to undermine the Office of the Deputy Governor and interfere with the smooth functioning of county government.
The Deputy Governor has also faulted Wanga’s decision to dismiss Lands and Housing CEC Dr Peter Ogalo, whom he said he personally brought into the Cabinet under a political agreement between them. Magwanga claims the dismissal violated a memorandum of understanding they had signed.
Ogalo has since obtained court orders stopping the governor from filling the position until the matter is heard and determined.
The rift between Wanga and Magwanga became more visible during the Kasipul by-election, where the Deputy Governor supported independent candidate Philip Aroko against the ODM-backed candidate Boyd Were, further straining relations within the county leadership.
Governor Wanga, who also serves as ODM National Chairperson, has previously acknowledged divisions within her administration and warned that officials who openly criticize her government while still serving would face consequences.
Speaking at a funeral last year, Wanga said she was ready to face any challenger in 2027, describing the contest as a “battle royal,” and urged dissatisfied leaders to leave her administration to allow her to bring in loyal team players.
Obiero made his remarks at Samanga Primary School grounds, where he presided over the launch of the Auma Nygoro Educational Fund, which benefited over 1,000 students through bursary allocations.
At several public forums, Magwanga has claimed that Wanga will only serve one term, arguing that the county is struggling to meet its basic operational obligations.
“I helped you become governor, but you have failed the people. Now it is time for accountability,” Magwanga has previously said.
Tensions between the two leaders escalated last year after Wanga relieved Magwanga of his duties as County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture and Livestock Development, a move that deepened an already strained working relationship.
Magwanga has since complained that his office remains closed and inaccessible, a situation he describes as unconstitutional and politically motivated.
“My office is still locked, and my staff cannot access it. You cannot close a public office and deny the holder access. That is a violation of the Constitution,” Magwanga said, adding that the move was aimed at weakening his position.
He described the closure as a calculated attempt to undermine the Office of the Deputy Governor and interfere with the smooth functioning of county government.
The Deputy Governor has also faulted Wanga’s decision to dismiss Lands and Housing CEC Dr Peter Ogalo, whom he said he personally brought into the Cabinet under a political agreement between them. Magwanga claims the dismissal violated a memorandum of understanding they had signed.
Ogalo has since obtained court orders stopping the governor from filling the position until the matter is heard and determined.
The rift between Wanga and Magwanga became more visible during the Kasipul by-election, where the Deputy Governor supported independent candidate Philip Aroko against the ODM-backed candidate Boyd Were, further straining relations within the county leadership.
Governor Wanga, who also serves as ODM National Chairperson, has previously acknowledged divisions within her administration and warned that officials who openly criticize her government while still serving would face consequences.
Speaking at a funeral last year, Wanga said she was ready to face any challenger in 2027, describing the contest as a “battle royal,” and urged dissatisfied leaders to leave her administration to allow her to bring in loyal team players.
Obiero made his remarks at Samanga Primary School grounds, where he presided over the launch of the Auma Nygoro Educational Fund, which benefited over 1,000 students through bursary allocations.
