In an official notice issued on December 1, the governor fired the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Lands, Peter Ogolla, who had been in charge of Lands, Physical Planning, Housing, and Urban Development.
She invoked the County Governments Act when announcing the changes but did not give detailed reasons for removing him from the job.
At the same time, Wanga stripped her deputy, Oyugi Magwanga, of the Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock Development docket that he had been overseeing.
At the same time, Wanga stripped her deputy, Oyugi Magwanga, of the Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock Development docket that he had been overseeing.
This move caught many by surprise because deputy governors are rarely removed from such responsibilities once assigned.
To fill the gap, Wanga appointed Danish Onyango, the CECM for Roads and Infrastructure, to act as the new Agriculture CECM until further decisions are made.
To fill the gap, Wanga appointed Danish Onyango, the CECM for Roads and Infrastructure, to act as the new Agriculture CECM until further decisions are made.
Joseph Mitito was appointed to lead the Lands department, pending approval by the County Assembly.
Wanga said the changes were made to strengthen service delivery in the region and ensure that county duties are performed effectively.
Wanga said the changes were made to strengthen service delivery in the region and ensure that county duties are performed effectively.
She instructed the county secretary to make sure there is a smooth transition for the affected offices.
The reshuffle comes shortly after internal disagreements began to surface within the county’s top leadership.
The reshuffle comes shortly after internal disagreements began to surface within the county’s top leadership.
Governor Wanga recently spoke strongly about the need for discipline and loyalty among staff working under her administration.
She cautioned that individuals using public positions to create friction or delay county projects would be removed without hesitation.
She cautioned that individuals using public positions to create friction or delay county projects would be removed without hesitation.
Her remarks were seen as a warning — especially after recent events surrounding the Kasipul by-election.
Deputy governor Magwanga reportedly supported an independent candidate, Philip Aroko, instead of the party-backed candidate Boyd Were from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Deputy governor Magwanga reportedly supported an independent candidate, Philip Aroko, instead of the party-backed candidate Boyd Were from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Wanga is a senior ODM member, and her deputy’s political shift appeared to deepen suspicion and mistrust within the leadership.
Sources in the county have suggested that political rivalry could be one of the reasons behind the latest reshuffle, although the governor has avoided confirming any link to the by-election drama.
Governor Wanga has said she is confident in her leadership and intends to defend her position in the 2027 elections.
Sources in the county have suggested that political rivalry could be one of the reasons behind the latest reshuffle, although the governor has avoided confirming any link to the by-election drama.
Governor Wanga has said she is confident in her leadership and intends to defend her position in the 2027 elections.
She has also rejected claims that criticism against her performance is justified, suggesting that some of the attacks are based on gender bias rather than her record in office.
She noted that any official found to be obstructing development projects or involved in corruption would face swift action.
She noted that any official found to be obstructing development projects or involved in corruption would face swift action.
Her message appears designed to reassure Homa Bay residents that she remains focused on improving services despite political tension.
