The Siaya County government has moved to quell growing public anxiety and speculation over the prolonged absence of Governor James Orengo.
Following weeks of silence and a flurry of online rumors, including a fake resignation letter.
But the county’s leadership has finally issued a statement clarifying the governor’s whereabouts and reassuring residents that all is well.
The statement, delivered by Siaya County Assembly Speaker George Okode, directly addressed the circulating resignation letter, labeling it as a “forgery” and the work of “political saboteurs.”
The speaker clarified that Governor Orengo is currently out of the country on “personal matters” but remains fully in charge and is expected to return soon.
The Spark of Public Concern
Governor Orengo’s absence from the public scene has been noticeable since his last public appearance on June 23, 2025.
When he appeared before the Senate’s Public Accounts Committee to address audit queries.
His prolonged disappearance from official functions and public eye triggered a wave of speculation and concern among Siaya residents and civil society organizations.
These groups, including the Siaya Bunge la Wananchi, had petitioned the County Assembly.
And the executive is to provide an official explanation for the whereabouts of both the governor and his deputy, William Oduol.
The residents’ anxiety was heightened by a viral letter circulating on social media.
Purportedly from Governor Orengo, which claimed he was stepping down due to “personal health challenges.”
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, to which Orengo belongs, had also moved quickly to dismiss the letter as fake.
But without an official statement from the county government, public disquiet continued to fester.
A County Divided: The Political Undertones
The uncertainty surrounding the governor’s absence has also exposed and deepened the political fault lines within the county’s leadership.
Deputy Governor William Oduol, who has been in a long-standing public feud with Orengo, has openly criticized the leadership vacuum.
In an interview with a local press, Oduol claimed that Siaya County was on “autopilot” as the governor had not officially handed over executive powers to him.
Oduol’s statements, which include claims of being sidelined from cabinet meetings and having his staff instructed not to take instructions from him.
Therefore, paint a picture of a county government struggling with a leadership crisis.
Also, he accused Speaker Okode of overstepping his mandate by performing executive functions in the governor’s absence.
However, Speaker Okode has vehemently pushed back against these claims.
He insisted that the governor is “not out of duty” and has been delegating representation for various functions to different people.
Including Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) and members of the executive.
He dismissed the petitions and accusations as being “politically instigated,” aimed at causing unnecessary panic and disruption.
A Call for Unity and Transparency
While the Siaya County government insists that operations remain uninterrupted.
However, the ongoing public petitions and the open rift between the governor and his deputy suggest a deeper crisis of governance and trust.
The incident highlights the critical need for clear and timely communication from county administrations.
Particularly when a top leader is absent for an extended period.
The saga in Siaya County underscores that in a devolved system of government.
And citizens have a constitutional right to transparency and accountability from their leaders.
The resolution of this matter will likely require more than just a public statement.
As it will require a concerted effort from all of Siaya’s leaders to demonstrate a unified front and a clear plan to address the residents’ concerns.
