This archive report was first published on 28 April 2020.
Published on April 28, 2020, Governor John Nyagarama of Nyamira County made significant changes to his cabinet, sparking controversy and tension within the county's leadership.
Five months after the expiry of tenure of 10 members of the Nyamira county executive committee, Governor Nyagarama retained five members of his favourite club, rejected the extension of four members, and brought in four new faces.
Deputy Governor Amos Nyaribo immediately denounced the changes, stating that they were done behind his back and were geared at injuring him politically and undermining his aspirations for the seat of the governor.
Nyaribo accused Governor Nyagarama of nepotism, claiming that the retained members were notoriously corrupt, non-performers, and had abused their offices. He also alleged that the new nominees lacked regional balance and were influenced by personal interests.
Those retained in the cabinet include Douglas Bosire (health), John Omanwa (transport, roads, and public works), Bernard Mangaa (public administration and management), Zablon Ochiri (lands, physical planning, and urban development), and Peter Muga (finance and economic planning).
Those edged out include Johnson Obike (tourism, trade, and cooperative development), Peris Mongare (agriculture, livestock, and fisheries), Samwel Mokua (environment, water, and mining), and Gladys Momanyi (education and vocational training).
The new nominees to be vetted by the Nyamira county assembly include Samson Barongo (education and vocational training), Pauline Oyugi (agriculture, fisheries, and livestock), Shem Nyaribari (environment, water, energy, and mining), Stella Nyambariga (gender, youths, sports, and culture), and Stella Anyega (trade, tourism, and cooperative development).
