Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has made significant changes to her cabinet, stripping Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga of his additional role as County Executive Committee (CEC) member for Agriculture in a restructuring move aimed at strengthening county operations.
Under the new adjustments, Danish Onyango who currently serves as the CEC for Roads, Public Works, Transport and Infrastructure will now double as Acting CEC for Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock Development.
Governor Wanga also dismissed Dr. Peter Ogolla from his position as CEC for Lands, Physical Planning, Housing and Urban Development. She has nominated Joseph Mitito to replace him, pending vetting and approval by the County Assembly.
In a statement issued on Monday, December 1, 2025, Governor Wanga said the reshuffle is part of broader efforts to enhance service delivery.
“In order to enhance service delivery, and to better serve the people of Homa Bay, I dismiss Dr. Peter Ogolla as provided for by section 35(9)(a) of the County Governments Act,” she said. “We’ve made changes to the membership of the County Executive Committee, effective immediately. This restructuring initiates a new phase of focused administration for our county.”
Although the governor did not directly tie the changes to recent political events, the move comes just days after tensions surfaced during the Kasipul by-election, where Deputy Governor Magwanga backed independent candidate Philip Aroko, while Wanga supported ODM’s Boyd Were—who ultimately clinched the seat.
Dr. Ogolla, from Homa Bay Town Constituency, had served in the cabinet since Wanga assumed office.
Late last week, the governor hinted at tougher actions against officials she feels are undermining her administration. Speaking on Friday, November 28, during the burial of educationist Mama Beliah Auma Ogaga in Otaro, Homa Bay Town East, Wanga delivered a stern warning.
“When I appoint someone to work in the county government of Homa Bay, you must work diligently in that government. But on the day they feel that the government is bad, they can resign and leave so another person from Kanyada can take up the job,” she said.
She added that county officials cannot serve in her administration while simultaneously criticizing it, stressing the effort it took to secure her position as governor.
