President William Ruto has revoked the appointment of George Wanga as Chairperson of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), replacing him with former Mandera South MP Adan Haji Ali. The decision, announced through a gazette notice on June 18, marks a swift leadership change at the helm of the energy regulator.
Wanga, who took office in January 2025, served for just five months. His appointment had followed the removal of retired Supreme Court Judge Jackton Boma Ojwang. At the time, Wanga’s selection was seen as part of a broader political realignment, coinciding with a period of cooperation between President Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga.
No official reason was provided for Wanga’s dismissal. However, the move has stirred speculation within political circles, especially given Wanga’s ties to Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga.
Adan Haji Ali, the new EPRA chair, brings a blend of legislative and executive experience. He served as Mandera South MP from 2017 to 2022 under the Jubilee Party. During his tenure, he chaired the National Assembly’s Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Committee and sat on the Agriculture and Livestock Committee.
Before entering politics, Ali held senior roles in the hospitality sector, including a long stint as General Manager at Baobab Beach Resort. He also served as Kwale County’s CEC for Tourism, Innovations, and ICT. His academic credentials include a Master’s in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Nairobi.
Ali’s appointment takes effect immediately and will run for three years. A senior official in the energy sector, speaking anonymously, noted that Ali’s diverse background could help EPRA navigate the evolving energy landscape.
Meanwhile, George Wanga has not issued a public statement. Governor Gladys Wanga posted a cryptic message on social media “Storms pass” before deleting it shortly after.
