Tension remains high in Homa Bay County after Deputy Governor Joseph Oyugi Magwanga narrowly escaped an assassination attempt on Sunday night, just days after the brutal killing of Kasipul MP Charles Were.
According to a statement from the Deputy Governor’s Communications Director, Magwanga’s official vehicle was ambushed between 9:15 p.m. and 9:20 p.m. as it returned from one of his farms. Fortunately, the DG was not in the car at the time of the attack. Only his security team was aboard.
A gunfight reportedly ensued, but no injuries were reported. The assailants fled the scene.
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Sources close to the deputy governor revealed that Magwanga had earlier received credible intelligence regarding a possible attempt on his life. On the night of the incident, a last-minute warning prompted him to change his usual route home — a decision that may have saved his life. His car was attacked just 30 minutes after he had arrived safely at his residence.
Speaking on Ramogi FM on Monday, Magwanga urged residents to remain calm and avoid retaliatory violence.
“When I was coming to my home, I got information that I was being trailed. It forced me to change my route to Gamba and come from the opposite direction,” Magwanga explained.
“I had already informed my people to open the gate in anticipation. My security was also ready to receive me. As soon as I got near the gate, my security sighted them and opened fire when it became clear they did not have good intentions. They opened fire on the vehicle with my security, thinking I was inside.”
He admitted that despite receiving threats previously, the Sunday night ambush confirmed his fears that his life was in imminent danger.
Police have launched an investigation into the incident. Preliminary findings suggest that political disruptors could be behind the attempted shooting, pointing to a possible pattern of politically motivated violence in the region.
Magwanga, who also hails from Kasipul, is the second senior political figure from the constituency targeted in recent days.
On April 30, Kasipul MP Charles Were was assassinated in Nairobi after being trailed from Parliament. Despite frequently switching vehicles for security reasons, Were was shot five times when his car stopped in traffic. His driver and bodyguard are among those being questioned over potential involvement.
As investigations continue, calls for enhanced security for elected leaders have grown louder, especially in politically volatile regions.