Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga on Tuesday nominated Danish Otieno Onyango as Deputy Governor and reshuffled her cabinet in a bid to improve service delivery.
The changes include new appointments in trade and governance, alongside a reassignment in agriculture. The nominees now await approval by the County Assembly following the executive order issued on March 16, 2026.
Onyango, who currently serves as the County Executive Committee Member for Roads and Public Works, is described as a seasoned public servant with over two decades of experience.
The appointment follows a vacancy created by the resignation of her former deputy, Oyugi Magwanga, in February 2026.
Magwanga stepped down citing “persistent and irreconcilable differences” with the governor after months of a strained working relationship.
His resignation came amid political and administrative tensions, including disagreements over leadership and divergent political positions within the county.
He also claimed he had been sidelined and unable to effectively discharge his duties, alleging that his office had been locked and resources withdrawn, rendering the office “functionally inoperative.”
Governor Wanga, however, attributed the fallout partly to his “sustained preoccupation with future political ambitions,” which she said affected focus within the executive.
The resignation formally created a vacancy, prompting the governor to nominate a replacement in line with the law.
According to the governor, Danish Otieno Onyango “joined the public service in 2003 and has a stellar record of excellent performance and integrity in high echelons of public service up to Undersecretary in the State Department of Infrastructure.”
The governor expressed confidence in his ability to take on the new role, noting his performance since joining the county government in 2022.
“I am confident he will ably serve the County in this new DG role based on his exemplary performance,” she said.
Onyango will retain his current docket even as he awaits vetting and approval. The governor credited him with significant infrastructure gains across the county, including the expansion of road networks in all 40 wards.
The executive order states that in the 2024/25 financial year, the county opened 736 kilometres of new roads, maintained 538 kilometres, and rehabilitated 116 kilometres of access roads linking key public facilities.
He is also credited with mobilising funding for major projects, including Shh1.4 billion under the KISIP II programme in informal settlements, and supporting national government initiatives such as the upgrading of roads in Homa Bay Town and expansion of Kabunde Airstrip.
Alongside the deputy governor nomination, Governor Wanga announced fresh nominations to the County Executive Committee.
Elijah Obiny Dede has been nominated to head the Trade, Industry, Tourism, Marketing and Co-operative Development docket.
The governor highlighted his experience in co-operative management and leadership, noting that during his previous tenure, “127 new co-operatives were registered and 10 dormant ones revived,” with membership growing from 29,000 to 40,000 and assets increasing from Shh200 million to Sh500 million.
The governor said his track record and 16 years of experience would strengthen the sector, adding that “he will serve well in Trade and Co-operatives Portfolio.”
Isaac Victor Ongiri has been nominated to lead the Governance, Administration, Communication and Devolution department.
He has been serving as chief officer in the same department since 2023. The governor cited his experience in public administration and communications, stating that “he is very knowledgeable in governance and public service and is well trained in communications.”
She added that his previous roles in Kisii and Makueni counties would bring valuable expertise to the cabinet, saying “he will be a good addition to the county Cabinet.”
In the same order, Joash Aloo has been reassigned to the Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock Development docket. He moves from the Trade department, having previously served in Water and Sanitation.
Governor Wanga praised his performance in previous roles, stating that “Aloo has had tangible and positive impact in the previous dockets and I have no doubt he will move our Agriculture to the next level.”
She outlined key value chains to be prioritised, including cotton, sugar, maize, rice, and edible oil crops.
The governor directed the County Secretary to oversee a smooth transition process, including the handing over of responsibilities.
She affirmed that all nominees meet the integrity requirements set out in Chapter Six of the Constitution, and confirmed that their names and vetting documents would be forwarded to the County Assembly for approval as required by law.
The changes signal a strategic restructuring of the county leadership aimed at enhancing efficiency and aligning key sectors with experienced officials.
