Governor Wanga picks roads executive to replace Magwanga as deputy
Homa Bay County Roads and Public Works Executive Danish Onyango at a past event. Governor Gladys Wanga has nominated him as her deputy.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has nominated her Roads and Public Works Executive Danish Onyango to serve as her deputy.
The nomination follows the resignation of her former deputy Oyugi Magwanga, who stepped down on February 26, citing frustrations with the county leadership and senior government officials. Barely weeks later, the governor has moved to fill the void, settling on a figure she describes as both capable and principled.
Governor Wanga praised Mr Onyango’s “exemplary performance and integrity”, noting that his record in public service places him among the county’s most dependable leaders.
In the days leading up to the decision, speculation had swirled around a host of potential successors. Among those mentioned were Finance and Economic Planning Executive Solomon Obiero, Chief Officer Devolution and Governance Isaac Ongiri, County Secretary Prof Bernard Muok, businessman Hillary Alila, County Assembly Speaker Polycap Okombo and former Health Executive Prof Richard Muga. But, in the end, the governor’s choice appeared guided by both merit and the delicate calculus of regional balance.
Mr Onyango, who hails from Kabondo Kasipul constituency, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics, Political Science and Public Administration from the University of Nairobi, as well as a Master of Arts in Development Studies.
“I am confident he will ably serve the County in this new DG role, based on his exemplary performance since 2022. Mr Onyango shall continue to serve as the County Executive Committee Member in charge of Roads and Public Works,” Ms Wanga wrote in her notice.
She credited him with spearheading an ambitious expansion of the county’s road network, and redrawing the map of connectivity across all 40 wards.
“We have opened ground-breaking roads where none existed. In the Financial Year 2024/25, we opened 736 kilometres of new roads, while 538 kilometres of existing roads received routine maintenance. A further 116 kilometres of targeted access roads were rehabilitated to connect schools, health facilities, markets and beaches,” the governor said.
Beyond infrastructure, Mr Onyango was described as a resourceful team player and leader, whose collaboration with the national government has supported key projects, including the upgrading of roads and the expansion of Kabunde Airstrip.
Cabinet reshuffle
The nomination was announced alongside a reshuffle within the county cabinet.
Governor Wanga has nominated Elijah Obiny Dede as county executive committee member for trade, industry, tourism, marketing and co-operative development. Mr Dede previously served as chief officer in the same department before his transfer to Roads and Public Works, and once held the position of chief executive officer of Kenya Bankers Sacco.
Meanwhile, Isaac Ongiri, who has been serving as chief officer for devolution and governance, has been elevated to the executive committee in the same docket. Acting Chief of Staff Roseline Omollo currently serves as the Devolution and Governance executive.
In another shift, Trade Executive Joash Aloo has been reassigned to the agriculture, irrigation and livestock development department.
“I direct the County Secretary to oversee smooth handing-over processes. The nominees meet the integrity requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution,” Ms Wanga stated.
The governor is expected to forward the nominees’ names and supporting documents to the County Assembly for vetting and approval, as required by law.
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