Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga Nominates Danish Onyango as Deputy Governor

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga Nominates Danish Onyango as Deputy Governor

Gladys Wanga has nominated Danish Otieno Onyango as Deputy Governor of Homa Bay County following the resignation of former deputy Joseph Oyugi Magwanga in late February.

In a statement dated March 16, the governor confirmed that Onyango—currently serving as the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Roads and Public Works—would assume the deputy governor role subject to approval by the Homa Bay County Assembly.

She indicated that Onyango would continue serving in his existing portfolio during the transition period while preparing to take up the new responsibilities.

“Pursuant to a vacancy in the office of the deputy governor in Homa Bay following the resignation by the previous holder, and in compliance with the County Government Act, I do hereby nominate Danish Otieno Onyango to serve as the deputy governor, subject to approval by the county assembly,” Wanga said.

Experience Cited as Key Factor

Governor Wanga emphasized Onyango’s extensive public service background, describing his performance in the infrastructure sector as instrumental to her decision.

According to the county leadership, Onyango has overseen significant expansion of the region’s road network since his appointment in 2022, improving connectivity across rural and urban areas.

County records indicate that during the 2024/25 financial year alone, his department facilitated the opening of approximately 736 kilometres of new roads, routine maintenance of 538 kilometres, and rehabilitation of 116 kilometres of access routes.

These projects have enhanced access to schools, health facilities, markets, and beaches—critical infrastructure for economic activity and service delivery in the lakeside county.

“I am confident he will ably serve the County in this new DG role based on his exemplary performance since 2022,” Wanga added.

Academic and Professional Background

Onyango hails from the Kabondo Kasipul Constituency and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics, Political Science, and Public Administration from the University of Nairobi. He also possesses a Master of Arts in Development Studies.

Before joining the county executive in 2022, he worked in the national government, including a stint at the State Department of Infrastructure, where he gained experience in large-scale public works projects.

Vacancy Following Resignation

The deputy governor’s position became vacant after Magwanga stepped down, citing frustrations over being sidelined from key decision-making processes within the county administration. His departure marked a significant political shift in the county leadership, prompting the need for a replacement to ensure continuity in governance.

Under Kenyan law, a deputy governor nominee must be vetted and approved by the county assembly before formally assuming office.

Wider Cabinet Changes

Alongside the nomination, Governor Wanga announced a broader reshuffle within the county executive aimed at strengthening service delivery.

She nominated Elijah Obiny Dede to head the Trade, Industry, Tourism, Marketing and Co-operative Development docket, a portfolio considered central to boosting local economic growth and investment.

Isaac Victor Ongiri was nominated as CECM for Governance, Administration, Communication and Devolution, while Joash Aloo was reassigned from Trade to lead the Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock Development department.

Transition and Integrity Requirements

Governor Wanga directed the county secretary to coordinate a smooth handover process, emphasizing adherence to legal and constitutional standards.

She noted that all nominees had been vetted and met the integrity requirements outlined in Chapter Six of the Constitution, which governs leadership and ethical conduct in public office.

Political analysts say the nomination reflects an effort to stabilize county leadership following weeks of uncertainty after Magwanga’s resignation.

If approved, Onyango will assume a critical role in supporting the governor’s development agenda and overseeing county operations.

For residents of Homa Bay, attention now shifts to the county assembly, whose decision will determine whether the nominee formally takes office and helps shape the county’s leadership trajectory in the coming years.

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Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga Nominates Danish Onyango as Deputy Governor