By Robert Nyasato
Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo may have reorganized his county government in a strategic shake-up aimed at boosting service delivery, while reading the political chessboard ahead of next year’s General Elections.
Some of the affected officers are either entertaining personal political ambitions or aligned to particular politicians with diverse interests.
Outspoken County Minister for Finance and Economic Planning, Jones Omwenga, has been reassigned to Trade, Tourism, and Cooperative Development.
Omwenga is reportedly eyeing the North Mugirango parliamentary seat, currently held by Joash Nyamoko, chair of the Lands Committee in the National Assembly.
Finance matters will now be overseen by Stephen Oboso, previously considered “invisible” in county affairs, while Bernard Maina takes over Lands, Housing, Urban Development, and Physical Planning.
In a move signaling political undercurrents, John Matiang’i—brother to Jubilee Presidential candidate Dr Fred Matiang’i—was shifted from the high-profile Environment, Water, Energy, Natural Resources, and Climate Change docket to the less prominent Gender, Culture, and Sports portfolio.
Reports suggest Matiang’i’s relationship with the governor had grown frosty in recent months.
Long-serving County Minister Alice Manoti has been elevated from Gender to the Environment portfolio, while Public Service Management Chief Officer Rael Momanyi, whose relations with staff had been chequered, has been moved to Gender, Culture, Sports, and Social Services, swapping roles with Dr. Mercy Motanya.
Governor Nyaribo has directed all affected officers to complete handovers before County Secretary Dr. Jack Magara within a week.
Governor Nyaribo, who joined Nyamira County Government at the inception of devolution in 2013 as deputy to the late pioneer governor John Nyagarama, will be seeking a second term in office on August 10, 2027, under his UPA party banner.
Analysts say the reshuffle not only addresses administrative efficiency but also positions key players ahead of the 2027 electoral battles, highlighting how politics is always in motion.