Ottichilo fires entire cabinet as he nominates new CECs

Vihiga Governor Wilber Ottichilo has fired his entire cabinet as he nominated new executives for vetting by the county assembly.

Ottichilo said he was keen on men and women who will help him achieve what he promised voters during the campaigns.

Ottichilo’s cabinet only had five executives after half of the team resigned to seek political seats during the August 9 elections.

Those who remained included  Alfred Indeche for Finance and acting for Agriculture, Henry Lumbasio for Education and acting for Lands, Innonda Mwanje for Transport and Infrastructure acting for health, Geoffrey Vukaya for trade and acting for environment and Phelistus Barasa for gender Sports and culture.

Initially Ottichilo’s cabinet had 10 executives but Mary Amalemba who was serving in the department for Environment and acting for Public service resigned to contest for Woman Rep position but lost to the incumbent Beatrice Adagala.

Paul Mbuni CEC for Lands and urban planning, Amos Kutwa (Health), Keneth Keseko (Trade) and Pamela Kimwele (public service and administration) were sacked after being impeached by the county assembly.

However the impeachment motion was recalled by the former speaker Hasna Mudeizi after the four challenged their removal over the integrity issues in court.

The former Speaker however never made it clear under which circumstances she recalled the impeachment.

The governor is expected to forward 10 new names to the assembly for cabinet approval.

Among those proposed include Mike Iravo for Public service, management and ICT, Jairus Amayi for Finance and Economic Planning, Nicholas Madaga for Health service, Nicholas Kitungulu for Agriculture, livestock and Fisheries.

Joseph Lunani for Transport and Infrastructure, Ruth Agesa for Education and Science, Mercy Adema for tourism and Cooperatives, Ann Chilande  for Environment, Energy, water and Natural resources.

Julius Maruja for physical planning lands housing and urban planning and Meshack Mulongo for Gender, Culture, youth, Sports and social Services.

The assembly is expected to vet them as the house resumes its sittings from next Tuesday.

The governor further has appointed Leonard Kasaya as his chief of staff, the office was initially held temporary by James Otari after the impeachment of Noah Okaya.

The governor further appointed Frank Matika as director of communication, initially Matika served as deputy director of Communication under Victor Wetende and further served as deputy director communication under Peter Atsiaya during Governor Moses Akaranga's reign.

The county boss further appointed James Otari as his political advisor after the fall out with Sikalo Ochiel who jumped ship to DAP-K.

Others who have landed appointments for County coordinator and liaison offices include Alex Oyugi, Edgar Lwane, Timothy Nasibi, Dorcus Anupi, Davelson Amakoye, David Andika, Magret Vorege, Merab Okwaro, Alfred Keverenge and Evans Khasievera.