Kisii Governor James Ongwae has appointed former Nation senior political reporter Isaac Ongiri as his director of communications in a reshuffle of his public relations team.
Ongiri, who has also worked for The Star and The Standard, takes over from Maseme Machuka, who has been moved to the Kisii County Alcoholic Drinks and Liquor Licencing Board.
The changes also affect deputy director of communications Kenani Miruka, who has been transferred to the lands department.
Ongwae said he chose Ongiri because of his experience in the media industry. Ongiri previously contested the Kasipul Kabondo parliamentary seat in the last General Election and lost.
“I have made the changes to ensure better service delivery in my administration,” he said.
Questions have been raised over why Machuka fell out of favour with the governor. According to sources, Ongwae was unhappy after his wife, a former nominated member of the Kisii County Assembly, openly backed Chris Obure in the election.
“The governor may have been buying time before showing him the door,” said a source familiar with the matter.
Ongiri holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications and Public Relations from Moi University and a Master of Arts Degree in International Relations from the University of Nairobi.
Shortly after the appointment, Ongiri used social media to highlight county projects, including the construction of a 250-bed ultra-modern ward at the Kisii Level V Teaching and Referral Hospital.
