Governor Orengo's unexpected absence stirs concerns in Siaya due to his strained relationship with his deputy
In a notable turn of events, Governor James Orengo of Siaya County has been absent from the county for an extended period, with his last public appearance recorded on June 23. Reports suggest that he has been out of the country, but no official communication regarding the nature or duration of his absence has been made.
This prolonged absence has led to a leadership crisis in Siaya County, characterised by a perceived power vacuum and internal tensions. The deputy governor, William Oduol, who was cleared by the Senate following a turbulent impeachment attempt, has not been reinstated by the governor, leading to concerns about governance, accountability, and service delivery.
The county is currently operating on "auto pilot," with significant functions being overseen by the County Assembly Speaker, George Okode, who has been representing the governor at key events and engagements since late June. The County Executive Committee Member for Finance and the Chief Officer for Finance are serving in an acting capacity without supervision or direction from either the governor or his deputy.
The lack of clear leadership from the governor has led to increased roles for other county officials like the assembly speaker, creating a situation of ambiguity over authority and decision-making. Orengo’s absence may also stall progress on ongoing audit queries and related reforms, as suggested by his appearance before the Public Accounts Committee in late June.
Despite the leadership challenges, some development projects continue, often led by county officials in the governor's absence. For example, livestock investments worth Sh46 million were commissioned, and infrastructure projects like the Ndori Market Ring Road upgrade are ongoing under the county administration’s supervision. However, the absence of the governor may hinder strategic oversight and slow key decisions.
The speaker, George Okode, dismissed claims that the county service delivery has been disturbed by the governor’s absence. He clarified that the governor has been nominating different people, including the MCAs and members of the executive, to represent him in different events.
The fallout between Governor James Orengo and Deputy Governor William Oduol remains unresolved, with Oduol claiming that his office has been disabled, and all staff directed not to communicate with him or take instructions from him. Okode, however, did not comment on this ongoing issue.
Okode assured that there is no cause for alarm over the governor's short physical absence. He referred questions to the County Secretary, Joseph Ogutu, who was not available for comment. Okode stated that it would only be a breach of law if he, the speaker, chaired a cabinet meeting.
On June 5, Governor Orengo led a delegation of Siaya leaders to the State House to discuss development projects in the county. On June 27, the speaker represented the governor at two events: a stakeholders' engagement on nuclear power and a fundraiser.
As the situation unfolds, the people of Siaya County await the return of their governor and a resolution to the ongoing leadership crisis. The county's future governance, accountability, and service delivery remain uncertain without clear leadership.
- The prolonged absence of Governor James Orengo has caused a leadership crisis in Siaya County, with the deputy governor, William Oduol, yet to be reinstated, leading to concerns about governance, accountability, and service delivery.
- The County Executive Committee Member for Finance and the Chief Officer for Finance are serving in an acting capacity, without supervision or direction from either the governor or his deputy, creating a situation of ambiguity over authority and decision-making.
- The absence of clear leadership from Governor James Orengo may stall progress on ongoing audit queries and related reforms, as suggested by his appearance before the Public Accounts Committee in late June.
- The speaker, George Okode, dismissed claims that the county service delivery has been disturbed by the governor’s absence, but the ongoing fallout between Orengo and Deputy Governor William Oduol remains unresolved, which may impact the county's future governance, accountability, and service delivery.
