President William Ruto has cancelled the appointment of George Wanga, who is married to Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, as the chairperson of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA). This decision was made due to claims of incompetence, as stated in an official notice published on Tuesday.
Wanga, who was appointed in January 2025, has been replaced by Adan Haji Ali, a former Member of Parliament from Mandera South. This change took effect immediately and has led to much discussion about possible political reasons behind it.
Wanga held the position for less than five months after the previous chair, Professor Jackton Boma Ojwang, was dismissed. This change occurred during Ruto’s cooperation with opposition leader Raila Odinga, who is Wanga’s ally.
Sources say Wanga was let go due to concerns that he was not effectively managing EPRA’s responsibilities, such as addressing issues with fuel prices and promoting renewable energy projects.
Adan Haji Ali, the new chairperson, has a diverse background. He worked as the general manager of Baobab Beach Resort from 1994 to 2013 and later served in Kwale County’s government, focusing on tourism and technology from 2013 to 2017.
In February 2024, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) connected Haji to a corruption case involving Ksh51 million, claiming he did not reveal his interests in a hotel that charged the county high prices for services.
Even with these accusations, Ruto chose to appoint Haji, which shows a trend of Ruto selecting political allies for important positions. Haji’s management and political experience were mentioned as his strengths.
Wanga’s removal has drawn criticism of Ruto’s government, especially concerning how political influences affect leadership in important organisations.
Political analyst Herman Manyora pointed out that this move seems to be aimed at balancing different groups within the government, especially after the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The role of the EPRA chairperson is very important, as it deals with energy costs and regulations, especially with the rising cost of living in Kenya.
Haji’s three-year term will be closely watched to see how he handles these challenges and brings about needed changes.
At the same time, Wanga’s departure adds to the list of appointments that Ruto has revoked, raising concerns about the stability of key government agencies as the 2027 elections approach.
