Benedict Omollo Survives Narrowly As Walter Okello Reaps Big in Siaya Executive Reshuffle

Siaya Governor James Aggrey Bob Orengo last night affected changes to the Executive. Although a circular issued by the Director of the Governor’s press Mr. Ben Agina cited the reason as rearrangement to achieve greater efficiency and service delivery to the people the truth is that certain individuals were targeted for a purge.

The highly proficient Finance CECM Benedict Abonyo Omollo (above) has been a target of Siaya cartels. Photo: YouTube

Among those who narrowly survived the recent changes were Finance CECM Benedict Abonyo Omollo who insiders say has been targeted by cartels because of his uncompromising stand.

Newly recruited Prof. Jacqueline Adhiambo Oduol is now the CECM for Water, Irrigation, Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources. Mr Kevin Ajuul takes over as Chief Officer of Energy and Transport and will also be Chief Officer of Public Works and Roads but in an acting capacity.

After much controversy surrounding his nomination Dr. Nicholas Kut Ochogo now assumes his new job as Chief Officer of Youth Affairs, Gender and Social Services. Dr. Kut is also the acting Chief Officer for Education.

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Of the eight newly appointed Chief Officers, five are also acting in a separate ministry. Speculation is rife that the Governor’s strategy is to award the dockets to cronies when the reshuffle limelight fades out. Others postulate that Orengo is exercising thrift and trimming down on the workforce.

Whatever it is, the person who has reaped hugely in the current reshuffle is youthful former acting Water Chief Officer, Mr. Walter Okello.

Barely into his forties Okello now holds his third senior position in the Executive. In 2013 Walter Okello served in the first Siaya County Assembly as a Youth Representative. In 2017 he was appointed Governor Rasanga’s Chief of Staff. In 2022 to the present date he has served as an acting Chief Officer.

Love him or hate him, Mr. Walter Okello’s star is on the rise. Photo: Siaya Political Forum.

Walter Okello now assumes the powerful docket of Governance and Administration while acting as Chief Officer of ICT, Public Service Transformation.

Ms. Judith Oyugi who earned her position not so much out of qualification but tokenism now becomes Chief Officer of Water and Irrigation and also acting Chief Officer for Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources.

Mr. Jactone Ouma Odinga assumes the critical docket of Chief Officer Budget and Economic Planning as well as acting Chief Officer of Finance.

Others are Michael Oliech Obambo who takes over at Trade, Co-operatives, Enterprise and Industrialization. Simon Owino Omondi, Chief Officer Health and Sanitation.

Meanwhile, Mr. Joseph Omondi has been deployed to Lands while Peter Asuke will be acting in Tourism, Culture, Sports and Arts.