Wanga nominates Danish Onyango as DG after Magwanga exit

Governor Gladys Wanga has nominated Danish Otieno Onyango as the new deputy governor of Homa Bay county

Governor Gladys Wanga has nominated Danish Onyango as the new deputy governor of Homa Bay county following a vacancy created by resignation of Oyugi Magwanga.

In a formal notice issued in line with the County Governments Act, the governor said she had settled on Onyango, pending approval by the county assembly.

“I do hereby nominate Danish Otieno Onyango to serve as the Deputy Governor of Homa Bay county subject to approval by the County Assembly,” Wanga said.

Onyango, who currently serves as the county executive committee member in charge of roads and public works, will continue holding that portfolio if approved.

He joined public service in 2003 and has risen through the ranks to serve as an undersecretary in the State Department of Infrastructure.

Wanga described him as a seasoned public servant with a track record of integrity and delivery, noting that “he has a stellar record of excellent performance and integrity in high echelons of public service.”

She expressed confidence in his ability to execute the responsibilities of the deputy governor’s office, pointing to his performance since joining her administration in 2022.

“Given his wide experience, I am confident he will handle the functions of the office of the Deputy Governor,” she said.

The governor credited Onyango with spearheading significant improvements in the county’s road infrastructure.

"Through his result based performance and leadership we have expanded our road network and connectivity in all the 40 wards” and “opened ground breaking roads were none existed.”

According to Wanga, the county opened 736km of new roads in the 2024-25 financial year, while 538km of existing roads underwent routine maintenance.

A further 116km of access roads were rehabilitated to improve connectivity to schools, health facilities, markets and beaches.

She also highlighted his role in mobilising resources and delivering key projects, including the Sh1.4 billion Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP II), as well as collaborations with the national government on the upgrading of roads in Homa Bay Town and expansion of Kabunde Airstrip.

Onyango further chaired technical and steering committees for major events hosted in the county, including the 2nd Homa Bay International Investment Conference in 2024, Madaraka Day celebrations and the 9th Devolution Conference in 2025.

The nomination comes weeks after Magwanga resigned on February 26, citing irreconcilable differences with Wanga.

In his exit statement, he maintained that his tenure had been guided by principle.

“I leave office with my conscience clear and my commitment to the people of Homa Bay County unwavering. My resolve to advocate for integrity and proper management of public resources and the fulfilment of our county remains stronger than ever,” he said.

Magwanga declared his intention to contest the gubernatorial seat in the 2027 General Election, setting the stage for a potential political showdown with the incumbent.

His resignation marked the culmination of a strained working relationship with the governor, which had unfolded over the past year through both political and legal confrontations.