Gladys Wanga nominates Danish Onyango as new deputy governor
By Kenneth Mwenda, March 17, 2026Homa Bay County Governor Gladys Wanga, on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, nominated Danish Otieno Onyango as the new deputy governor.
Onyango will seek to replace Oyugi Magwanga, who resigned from the position in February 2026 following months of tension with the county leadership. The nomination is now subject to approval by the Homa Bay County Assembly.
Magwanga had been out of the office since November 2025 after a dispute with Governor Wanga. In a statement, he said the county leadership had frustrated his efforts to execute his duties as deputy governor.
“Today, after a deep reflection and consultation with leaders, supporters and my family, I have resolved to resign from the office of the Deputy Governor with immediate effect,” he stated then.
Magwanga has since declared his interest in running for Homa Bay Governor in the 2027 general elections.
Governor Wanga shared Onyango’s nomination on her official Facebook page, noting his strong public service record.
“I am confident he will ably serve the County in this new Deputy Governor role based on his exemplary performance since 2022,” she said.
Danish Onyango’s brief profile
Onyango joined the public service in 2003 and has served at high levels, including as undersecretary in the State Department of Infrastructure. He hails from Kabondo Kasipul Constituency and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Political Science and Public Administration from the University of Nairobi, as well as a Master of Arts in Development Studies.
“Onyango shall continue to serve as the County Executive Committee Member in charge of Roads and Public Works. Through his result based performance and leadership we have expanded our road breaking network roads were none existed,” the statement read.
“In the Financial Year 2024/25, we opened 736 kilometers of new roads while 538 kilometers of existing roads received routine maintenance. 116 kilometers of targeted access roads were rehabilitated to connect schools, health facilities, markets and beaches.”
“He led landmark transformative projects raising considerable resources for instance the Kshs. 1.4 Billion KISIP II Projects in the informal settlements. He is a resourceful team player and team leader who has partnered with the National Government in upgrading of Roads and Expansion of Kabunde Airstrip.”
“He led our Technical and Steering Committees for the Hosting of the 2nd Homa Bay International Investment Conference in 2024, Madaraka Day and the 9th Devolution Conference in 2025. Given his wide experience, I am confident he will handle the functions of the Office of the Deputy Governor.”
County Cabinet reshuffle announced
Governor Wanga also reshuffled her County Executive Committee to enhance service delivery. Elijah Obiny Dede, from Ndiwa Constituency, has been nominated as the CEC Member for Trade, Industry, Tourism, Marketing, and Co-operative Development.
Dede has 16 years of experience in co-operative management. Under his leadership, membership increased from 29,000 to 40,000, with assets growing from Kshs. 200 million to Kshs. 500 million.
Isaac Victor Ongiri, from Kasipul Constituency, will take charge of Governance, Administration, Communication, and Devolution. Ongiri has served as a county chief officer since 2023 and has previously worked in Kisii and Makueni counties. He holds a degree in Communications and a Master’s in International Relations and Public Relations.
Joash Aloo has been reassigned to lead the Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock Development docket, moving from Trade, Industry, Tourism, Marketing, and Co-operative Development. Governor Wanga said:
“Aloo has had tangible and positive impact in the previous dockets and I have no doubt he will move our Agriculture to the next level.”
The governor directed the County Secretary to oversee smooth handover processes. She confirmed that all nominees meet the integrity requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010. The nominations, along with vetting documents, will now be forwarded to the County Assembly for approval as required by law.