Two top officials were dismissed by Migori Governor Okoth Obado in fresh changes announced on Tuesday evening for alleged political disloyalty.
The two are Trade minister Elizabeth Ochaye and Education Chief Officer Marwa Muniko.
Mrs Ochaye was sacked over claims of openly campaigning for Mr Ochillo Ayacko, of the Orange Democratic Movement, in the recent senatorial by-election. Most of Governor Obado’s friends rooted for Mr Eddy Oketch of the Federal Party of Kenya after Obado openly differed with ODM over the manner in which Mr Ayacko was picked to run for the position.
It is still unclear why the second official Mr Muniko was dismissed.
Mrs Ochaye was replaced by Mrs Sheila Ghati, who was previously in the public service docket. Mr Elijah Odhiambo will now act as the county executive for public service management while continuing to run the land and housing department. Mrs Roseline Otieno now takes over as public service chief officer, replacing Mrs Mary Midida who was moved to the education department in the same capacity. The new acting chief officer for trade is Mr Samuel Ochieng’ who will also continue running the roads and public works department. Mr Moses Chamwada is now the environment executive while Mr Joshua Ngwala will remain as chief officer.
The governor retained Mr Christopher Odhiambo Rusana as the county secretary and Mr Samson Maginga as the education executive. Mrs Ghati Maroa now takes over the water and energy docket, with Mr Edward Kabaka as the chief officer.
Reports suggest that more changes are expected in the coming weeks as the troubled governor assembles his legacy team in his second and final term.
Obado is still under investigation in connection to the murder of his pregnant lover Sharon Otieno as well as corruption charges by the EACC who recently raided his homes and recovered eight guns, electronics, and several bank statements.
