By MWIBANDA
News | 12 May 2025 – 15:49
Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga is lucky to be alive after escaping a hail of bullets in what he has described as a well-coordinated assassination attempt near his rural home on Sunday night.
The dramatic attack unfolded around 9pm as Magwanga drove towards his home in Kabuor village, East Kamagak ward, Kasipul constituency. Unknown assailants, armed and relentless, had trailed him for several kilometres under the cover of darkness.
“I was driving home from a function in Oyugis when I got a tip-off that suspicious individuals were trailing my movements. I immediately altered my route, but they were fast and persistent,” Magwanga recounted, his voice still shaken. “Just as I approached my gate, gunfire erupted. They shot at my vehicle twice.”
According to witnesses, the night air was pierced by the crack of gunshots, throwing the sleepy village into panic. Residents bolted from their homes, some diving into ditches, others scrambling behind banana groves, fearing a full-blown attack.
“I heard loud bangs—two shots. Then screams. Children were crying. Women were wailing. People thought a gang war had broken out,” said Joshua Otieno, a neighbour who lives less than 100 metres from the deputy governor’s compound.
Magwanga said he managed to outmanoeuvre the attackers by accelerating past his gate and heading toward a nearby police patrol zone. “I didn’t stop. I knew if I did, I wouldn’t live to tell this story,” he said.
Police officers arrived at the scene minutes later but found the attackers had vanished into the night. The two bullet holes on the rear left panel of Magwanga’s vehicle tell of a narrow escape.
Authorities have launched investigations, but no arrests have been made. The motive remains unclear, though Magwanga hinted at political enemies who might want him out of the way.
“I have no personal quarrel with anyone. But politics in this region can be deadly. When you start asking tough questions and pushing reforms, some people feel threatened,” he said.
Security has since been beefed up around the Deputy Governor’s residence. County police commander Naomi Ichami confirmed the incident and assured the public that “no effort will be spared” in hunting down the culprits.
As dawn broke Monday morning, villagers gathered at Magwanga’s compound—some in shock, others in prayer. One elderly woman whispered, “He’s walking with God. Death knocked and he refused to open.”
