Arise Media 
BY RITA MUTHONI
A Chief Officer (CO) in Embu County was left in shock after learning of his dismissal while on duty, distributing Galla goats to farmers in Makima under a government-backed program.
Pithon Muchoki Gichure, widely known as Chief wa Mifugo, had been serving as the Chief Officer for Livestock and Blue Economy when an official government circular announcing his termination surfaced online.
The reshuffle, effected by Governor Cecily Mutitu Mbarire as part of a broader reorganization to enhance service delivery, saw Muchoki among those ousted.
Reacting to the abrupt news, Muchoki posted on Facebook: “Tuko hapa Makima na Waziri Nyaga giving out Galla goats to the locals. While I was away?” His remarks suggested shock and disappointment over the circumstances of his removal.
The unexpected firing has sparked mixed reactions. Some residents sympathize with Muchoki, while others see it as part of routine government restructuring.
“It is so sad that you have been fired while on duty,” a Facebook user commented.
“You served the people of Embu diligently. This is just a storm, and it shall pass,” wrote another.
The department’s operations are expected to continue under Stephen Njeru Muita, the newly appointed Chief Officer for Livestock.
Other affected officials include Florence Ndinda Musyoka, the CECM for Water, Irrigation, Environment, Climate Change, and Natural Resources, whose portfolio has been handed over to Raymond Kinyua, the current CECM for Lands, Mining, Housing, and Physical Planning.
Kinyua will now double as the Acting CECM for Water and Environment.
Additionally, four Chief Officers were also dismissed, including Ephantus Mugendi Njeru, CO for TVETs and Vocational Training Centres. Peter Njagi Hudson, CO for Lands and Mining, will now handle his duties.
Jane Karimi Mwaniki, CO for Resource Mobilization and Partnership also faced the governor’s wrath. Her roles have been transferred to Pithon Mugambi Nguru, CO for Early Childhood Development Education.
Dan Bongo, the CO for Transport, Energy, and Logistics was also affected with his responsibilities being given to Paul Njoroge Nthiga, CO for Roads and Public Works, in an acting capacity.
Nicholas Kunga Ngeche, CO for Environment resigned, and his resignation was formally accepted.
At the same time, Erastus Macharia Njeru, the CO for Economic Planning and Budgeting, has been assigned additional responsibilities as the Acting CO for Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change.
Governor Mbarire, who has now reshuffled her administration for the third time since taking office in August 2022, defended the changes as necessary for improving efficiency and accountability in county service delivery.
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