Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has called for swift investigations into an incident involving her deputy, Joseph Oyugi Magwanga, after shots were fired near his home. Wanga expressed her deep concern over the matter, urging security agencies to act quickly and impartially to investigate the situation and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. She emphasized that any threat to the safety of leaders must be taken seriously, highlighting that such incidents not only put individuals at risk but also jeopardize the peace and security of the larger community.
In a statement posted on her official social media accounts, Wanga addressed the need for a thorough investigation into the shooting, stressing the importance of security for all leaders in the region. She pointed out that this incident came at a particularly sensitive time for the county, as they were still mourning the loss of Charles Ong’ondo Were, the Member of Parliament for Kasipul, who was shot and killed in Nairobi at the end of April 2025. Wanga called on the residents of Homa Bay to remain calm and united, despite the recent violence. She urged them to reject violence in all its forms and to stand together in the pursuit of peace, justice, and the rule of law.
The incident involving Magwanga occurred when shots were fired near his home. The deputy governor, who was deeply disturbed by the event, condemned the attack on his vehicle, calling it a cowardly act. He also voiced his concern about the rising trend of political violence in the area, particularly in the Kasipul constituency. Magwanga emphasized that such acts of violence were not only harmful but also counterproductive, undermining the ability of leaders to work together for the common good of the people. He made a passionate plea for politics and leadership disagreements to be resolved peacefully and without resorting to intimidation, bloodshed, or revenge.
Magwanga further warned that a society where violence is used as a tool to settle political disputes is a society on the brink of collapse. He stressed the importance of dialogue and unity over destruction and division, advocating for peaceful resolutions to conflicts. Magwanga’s statement reflected a call for leaders to stand up for peace and reject any form of violence, which he feared could spiral into a larger crisis.
In the aftermath of the shooting, Magwanga appealed to the public to remain patient and allow law enforcement agencies to conduct their investigation without interference or speculation. He cautioned against spreading rumors or conjecture that could escalate tensions and hinder the progress of the investigation. Magwanga’s security team had already reported the incident to the Oyugis police station, providing details of what transpired. According to the report, as the deputy governor and his security personnel were returning to his residence, they noticed two suspicious individuals hiding in a bush approximately 300 meters from his home. Upon confronting them, the individuals fled, prompting the security team to fire at them, though the suspects managed to escape.
The authorities are continuing their investigations, and local leaders are calling for calm as they await further developments. The community remains on edge following this latest incident, but there is hope that the authorities will be able to identify those responsible and bring them to justice, providing a sense of security to both the deputy governor and the wider public.
