Nairobi, Kenya- In a late-night drama that sounds more like a political thriller than real life, Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga claims he narrowly escaped an assassination attempt after unknown gunmen allegedly trailed and opened fire on his convoy Sunday night.
Speaking to the press on Monday, Magwanga said he had received intel that suspicious individuals were following him as he drove home to Kabuor village in East Kamagak ward, Kasipul constituency.
The deputy governor, trusting his instincts and sources, changed his usual route—and that quick decision may have saved his life.
Gunmen Ambush Wrong Car in a Botched Attack
According to Magwanga, while he opted for an alternate path, his official car—carrying his security officers—stayed on the regular route.
Moments later, unknown assailants emerged, weapons in hand, and began shooting at the vehicle.
Believing their target was inside, they fired twice. The security officers returned fire. The brief but intense exchange ended with the gunmen disappearing into the surrounding bushes.
“The gangsters moved a few meters away and began shooting ammunition towards the vehicle, thinking that I was in the car,” Magwanga told reporters. “It forced my security officers to return fire to repel them.”
Police later visited the scene, and Magwanga recorded a formal statement at Oyugis Police Station to trigger a full investigation.
Homa Bay Police Commander Lawrence Koilem confirmed authorities are taking the case seriously and plan to increase Magwanga’s security detail as inquiries continue.
From Threats to Gunfire: A Worrying Escalation
Magwanga revealed the attempted hit didn’t come out of the blue. For the past two weeks, he said, he had received both verbal and written threats—something he initially brushed off. But Sunday night’s attack changed that.
“I never took the threats seriously,” he admitted. “But the attack meant they were real. I’m now going to treat them with the seriousness they deserve.”
Interestingly, the timing has raised eyebrows. Magwanga noted that the threats intensified shortly after the death of Kasipul MP Ong’ondo Were, a case that remains unsolved.
The slain MP had reportedly voiced concerns about his safety before his murder—a chilling parallel that’s fueling tension in the region. You can read more about the late MP Were’s case here.
Politician Newton Ogada, who was with Magwanga during the press briefing, urged authorities to expedite investigations before another tragedy unfolds. “We must take threats seriously,” Ogada said. “Let’s not wait until it’s too late—again.”
No Resignation, No Retreat—Magwanga Brushes Off Resignation Rumors
Despite social media speculation suggesting an impending resignation or impeachment bid by local MCAs, Magwanga dismissed the chatter with a shrug.
“I neither have the intention to resign nor have I heard of any plans by MCAs to impeach me,” he stated. “Even if there were, I’ve committed no crime.”
