Awiti reshuffles Homa Bay Cabinet, warns lazy officials

Homa Bay Governor Cyprian Awiti has reshuffled his Cabinet, about two weeks after winning a court battle over his election, for the sake of better service delivery for the people.

The governor added on Thursday that he made the move following complaints about lazy county officials.

“There were complaints by some of residents that some officials were not delivering services effectively. I decided to make changes to improve efficiency,” Mr Awiti explained.

TRANSFERS

The county boss transferred Mr David Okeyo from the roads and infrastructure department to trade and industrialization, an office that had been vacant following Carilus Ademba resignation on Monday

Mr Fred Odero was moved from energy and mining to tourism, sports and youth affairs, previously headed by Ms Roselyne Odhiambo.

Ms Odhiambo was transferred to the lands and housing department, whose previous minister was Ms Beatrice Ogolla.

Ms Ogolla was placed in charge of the energy and mining department.

RETAINED

Five executives retained their posts - Nicholas Koriko (finance and economic planning), Aguko Juma (agriculture and food security), Prof Richard Muga (health services), Beatrice Asyago (education and ICT) and Dickson Nyawinda (water and environment).

Prof Muga had been appointed to act as the minister for roads before the governor nominated Mr Philemon Dony Opar to head the department.

Mr Opar will be vetted by the assembly before he is sworn-in.

WARNING

Mr Awiti warned the county officials against slacking, saying action will be taken if any reports are filed.

"All officials employed by the county government must pull up their socks. Residents are free to report anyone not working. Action will be taken against such officials,” he said.

Regarding the "numerous" court battles, Mr Awiti said they had been a hindrance to development.

“Politics is now over [sic]. All officers need to focus on delivery," he said.