By Faith Cherop
President William Ruto has revoked the appointment of George Wanga as the Chairperson of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), replacing him with Adan Haji Ali in a surprise shake-up at the helm of Kenya’s energy sector regulator.
Wanga, who is the husband of Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, had only served in the role for four months after his appointment in January 2025. The announcement of his removal was published in the latest edition of the Kenya Gazette, marking a significant leadership shift at EPRA.
Adan Haji Ali will now serve as the non-executive Chairperson of EPRA for a three-year term, effective June 16, 2025.
The leadership change comes at a politically sensitive time, just days before EPRA is expected to announce new fuel prices for June—a decision closely watched by consumers and economists amid rising living costs.
Governor Gladys Wanga has recently criticized the national government over what she termed as a resurgence of extrajudicial killings in the country. Her remarks followed the brutal murder of blogger and high school teacher Albert Ojwang’, whose death sparked nationwide outrage and protests organized by Gen Z youth demanding justice.
During the protests, a young demonstrator was reportedly shot in the head by an unidentified police officer, further inflaming public anger. Wanga, speaking out, said that the killings violate the spirit of the political agreement that formed the current broad-based government, which she said had promised to end such state violence.
Though State House has not officially linked the revocation of George Wanga’s appointment to Governor Wanga’s statements, the timing has raised speculation of political retaliation.
EPRA, a key regulatory body under the Ministry of Energy, is tasked with overseeing the regulation of electrical energy, renewable energy, petroleum, and other energy subsectors in Kenya. The leadership at EPRA plays a vital role in shaping energy policy and consumer pricing.
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