Where is Orengo? Siaya Governor's prolonged absence sparks anxiety

The prolonged absence of Siaya Governor James Orengo from the public scene has ignited anxiety and speculation with a group petitioning the county assembly over the matter.

Governor Orengo was last seen in public on June 23, when he appeared before the Senate’s Public Accounts Committee to address audit queries. 

Siaya Bunge La Mwananchi forum has petitioned the County Assembly to clarify the prolonged absence of Governor Orengo and his deputy, William Oduol.

Led by the High Court Advocate Maurice Okumu, the group urged the assembly to exercise its oversight role and address the rising public concern over their absence.

The group accused the speaker of overstepping his mandate by performing executive roles, warning of a potential conflict of interest.

Another resident, Julius Oluoch, has also filed a petition claiming that Orengo’s absence from public view could lead to delays in the approval of the county 2025/2026 budget.

Oluoch accused Orengo and Oduol of paralysing the county’s operations and fostering an environment of governance crisis.

County Secretary Joseph Ogutu declined to respond to enquiries by The Standard. County Assembly speaker George Okode has been at the helm in the absence of the governor. 

Last week, ODM party leader Raila Odinga stepped in to calm the public concern, stating that Orengo was in good health and would soon return to office.

“Siaya today is on autopilot. The governor is away and has not handed over to his deputy to act in his absence, so no one knows what is going on in Siaya,” said Oduol.

Oduol, who spoke to The Standard, further revealed that despite being cleared by the Senate following a turbulent impeachment attempt, the governor has refused to reinstate him.

He further claimed that the office of the deputy governor has been completely disabled, with all the staff directed not to communicate with him or take instructions from him.

“I am not invited to cabinet meetings, and my benefits and allowances have been withdrawn. I even fuel the official county car from my pocket,” he said.

He added that any effort to perform his official duties is futile, as “the governor has issued firm instructions that no one should deal with me.”

In a defiant tone, Oduol said he has chosen to take a back seat, convinced that his earlier warnings are now being proven true.

“All the MPs are now raising the same issues I raised in 2022. I have been vindicated,” he said.

The confusion has deepened within the executive, with both the County Executive Committee Member (CEC) for Finance and the Chief Officer for Finance currently serving in an acting capacity, without supervision or direction from either the governor or his deputy.

Sources within the county government have revealed that the ongoing leadership vacuum has created fertile ground for “cartels around the governor” to thrive, manipulating the system and taking advantage of the lack of oversight.

“The current environment is very confusing. The county is on the wrong path,” said a senior member of the executive, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal.

Speaker Okode, who did not give details of the governor's whereabouts, confirmed that he is out of the country on a private trip.

"Indeed, the governor is physically out of station but not out of duty," said Okode.

While terming the issues as politically instigated, Okode dismissed claims that the county service delivery has not been disturbed by the governor's absence.

The speaker, who further clarified his representation of the governor in some functions, said the governor has been nominating different people, including the MCAs and members of the executive, to represent him in different events.

"No law has been breached, and there is no cause for alarm over the governor's short physical absence," he assured.

"It would only be a breach of law if I, the speaker, chaired a cabinet meeting," he added.