Jessica Weku Wesonga, Kakamega's Chief Officer of Livestock, Veterinary Services, and Fisheries, has died, marking the second death of a chief officer in the county in the past two months.
Wesonga's death was confirmed by Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa in a statement on Tuesday, August 26. However, Barasa did not reveal the cause of her death.
"I have received the news of the passing of Jessica Weku Wesonga with profound shock. Until her untimely death, Weku was the Chief Officer, Livestock, Veterinary Services, and Fisheries," Barasa said.
"With great Difficulty, we commend her spirit to the Lord. On behalf of my family, the County Government, and the people of Kakamega, I send my condolences to her family and friends with prayers for strength during this difficult time," he added.
Wesonga joined the county government in 2022 as the County's Chief Officer of Water and Sanitation Services, just three months after Barasa clinched the gubernatorial seat and was later transferred to the Ministry of Agriculture Department of Fisheries Development.
Barasa remembered Wesonga as a versatile and dedicated individual whose work in the two departments that she had served left a lasting impact, noting that her death left a huge gap in the county government.
"Her professional approach to government operations enabled her to establish very productive relationships with development partners. With her death, my administration has lost a team player, a reliable and loyal worker, and an inspiration to the youth," Barasa said.
The announcement comes two months after Barasa also announced the death of the Kakamega County Education Chief Officer, Doreen Amwoga.
Amwoga joined the county government on November 1, 2014, as a Ward Administrator, promoted to the position of Sub-County Administrator on July 30, 2020, and then an acting Chief Officer, Education, on July 7, 2022.
After entering office, Barasa appointed Amwoga as Chief Officer, County Administration, and was then appointed as the acting Chief Officer, Social Services, Youth, Gender, and Culture on December 8, 2024. On March 8, 2025, Barasa reappointed Amwoga as the Chief Officer, Education.
In a statement on June, August 10, Barasa said that Amwoga played a key role in supporting her colleagues in her department and the county government.
“On behalf of my family, the County Government, and the people of Kakamega, I extend my sincere condolences to Ms. Amwoga’s family. As a Government, we assure the family of our support through this very difficult moment,” Barasa said.
