Barasa cabinet reshuffle elicits mixed reactions

Politics of zoning in Kakamega County have forced Governor Fernandes Barasa (pictured) to revoke nomination of Zaccheus Lutomia as a County Executive (CEC) for Trade, Industrialisation and Tourism.

Barasa’s reshuffle on Tuesday elicited a hue and cry from some quarters, especially in Kakamega Central zone that comprises Ikolomani, Shinyalu, Lurambi and Navakholo constituencies.

The outrage comes after the appointments only went to residents of the Southern and Northern zones where the governor and his deputy Ayub Savula hail from.

The governor dropped Savula, a resident of Lugari Constituency in the North, from the Trade, Industrialisation and Tourism portfolio and nominated Lutomia from South as his replacement.

The Southern zone comprises of Mumias East, Mumias West, Khwisero, Butere and Matungu where Barasa is a native of.

The governor instead said Savula would “co-ordinate all activities in ministries and departments”.

A section of political pundits however said the reshuffle was a demotion for the deputy governor as is the County Secretary and Head of Public Service Bonface Okoth, from Mumias East Constituency. He was, however, replaced by Lawrence Omuhaka, also from Butere in the South.