On 21 November 2018, Migori Governor Okoth Obado removed two senior county officials in a late-evening shake-up that was linked to political loyalty tensions inside his administration.
Those dismissed were Trade minister Elizabeth Ochaye and Education Chief Officer Marwa Muniko. The county said Mrs Ochaye lost her job after allegations that she had openly campaigned for Ochillo Ayacko of the Orange Democratic Movement during the recent senatorial by-election.
The move came against the backdrop of a split in Obado’s camp. Several of the governor’s allies had backed Eddy Oketch of the Federal Party of Kenya after Obado publicly fell out with ODM over the process used to pick Mr Ayacko as the party’s candidate.
It was not immediately clear why Mr Muniko was also shown the door.
The reshuffle also triggered a wider round of changes across the county executive and chief officer ranks. Sheila Ghati moved into the trade docket after previously serving in public service. Elijah Odhiambo was assigned to act as county executive for public service management while continuing to oversee land and housing. Roseline Otieno took over as public service chief officer, replacing Mary Midida, who was transferred to education in the same capacity.
Samuel Ochieng’ was named acting chief officer for trade while retaining his role in roads and public works. Moses Chamwada became the environment executive, with Joshua Ngwala remaining in place as chief officer.
Obado kept Christopher Odhiambo Rusana as county secretary and Samson Maginga as education executive. Ghati Maroa was moved to the water and energy docket, with Edward Kabaka serving as chief officer.
Reports at the time indicated that more changes were likely in the following weeks as Obado, then in his second and final term, continued assembling what was described as his legacy team.
