Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has made yet another bold, high-stakes move—firing Lands CECM Dr. Peter Ogolla and immediately nominating a replacement—sparking fresh speculation about the escalating rift in her inner circle.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday, December 1, Wanga dismissed Ogolla under Section 35(a) of the County Governments Act, ending his tenure as the head of the Lands, Physical Planning, Housing and Urban Development docket.
She simultaneously nominated Joseph Mitito, a respected professional from Homa Bay Town, describing him as a “consummate professional with strong leadership skills.” His name now heads to the County Assembly for vetting and approval.
The timing of Ogolla’s dismissal has stirred intense political chatter across Homa Bay.
With Governor Wanga currently navigating a deepening fallout with her Deputy Governor Joseph Oyugi Magwanga, some observers are questioning whether this latest shake-up is purely administrative—or if it signals a widening power struggle within the county’s top leadership.
While Wanga’s statement doesn’t attribute the move to political tensions, analysts note that the Lands docket is among the most strategic portfolios, and cabinet adjustments made during political friction often trigger speculation about loyalty, alignment, and internal control.
For now, the governor maintains the changes are strictly about improving service delivery, but the political class is watching closely.
In addition to dropping Ogolla, Governor Wanga also reassigned Danish Onyango to serve in a dual capacity:
CECM for Roads, Public Works, Transport & Infrastructure, and
Acting CECM for Agriculture, Irrigation & Livestock Development
The governor directed that all changes take effect immediately, instructing the County Secretary to oversee a smooth handover.
“The changes herein take effect immediately,” Wanga said. “The County Secretary is tasked to ensure smooth handing over by those affected.”
Wanga’s Year of Relentless Reshuffles
Wanga’s administration has undergone repeated restructuring throughout the year—moves that insiders say are aimed at tightening performance but which critics view as signs of simmering intragovernmental tension.
Earlier in January, Wanga appointed:
Eng. Elijah Munga – CECM for Youth, Sports, Talent Development, Gender Inclusivity, Cultural Heritage & Social Services
Elly Nyiero and Stephen Okeyo – Chief Officers for youth-related and vocational training dockets
Roselyne Omolo was reassigned to Governance & Devolution
Joash Aloo was moved from Water to Trade & Investments
John Ongili was shifted to Water & Sanitation
These moves have formed a pattern of decisive restructuring—one that has often followed periods of controversy or political turbulence.
Whether Ogolla’s exit is connected to the Wanga–Magwanga fallout remains in the realm of political speculation—but what’s clear is that Homa Bay’s executive is undergoing one of its most aggressive shake-ups yet.
Mitito’s impending vetting now becomes the next big political moment, as residents wait to see whether this latest reshuffle will strengthen Wanga’s administration—or signal even deeper divides at the top.
What’s undeniable: Governor Wanga is tightening her grip, and the political temperature in Homa Bay is rising fast.
Leave a Reply