HOMA BAY, KENYA — Barely 48 hours after the burial of the assassinated Kasipul Member of Parliament, Ong’ondo Were, another attempted assassination has occurred in Homa Bay County, this time targeting Deputy Governor Joseph Oyugi Magwanga.
According to a security detail member who requested anonymity, the incident took place at approximately 9:00 PM on Sunday, May 12, 2025, while the Deputy Governor was away from his residence in Kabuor village.
The officer reported that family members observed suspicious activity around the compound and promptly alerted Mr. Magwanga. This prompted him to return via an alternative route and in a different vehicle.
Upon the arrival of his decoy vehicle, unidentified assailants initiated an ambush, resulting in a significant exchange of gunfire with the Deputy Governor’s security team.
A police report indicate that only the bodyguards of the politician fired shots in the air after encountering suspicious characters on the road.
The bodyguard fired four shots in the air while another officer who was manning his gate fired two rounds of ammunition.
The attackers were ultimately repelled and fled the area.
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Speaking to Vivid Voice News at his home, Mr. Magwanga confirmed having received death threats in recent days, stating that he “didn’t expect it would escalate that quickly.” He called upon security agencies to act promptly and apprehend those responsible.
Magwanga called upon the people of Homa Bay to maintain peace and allow investigators to get to the root cause of the Sunday night shooting.
“Let us refrain from speculations, let us remain calm so that we don’t interfere with the investigations,” he said.
This event represents the third targeted attack on political figures from Homa Bay within the span of just two months.
Previously, Member of County Assembly (MCA) Vikings Bondo narrowly avoided an attack in Nairobi, which was followed by the assassination of Member of Parliament Ong’ondo Were, also in the capital.
Authorities have yet to make any arrests as investigations into these incidents are ongoing.
