Siaya County Assembly Speaker George Okode has rubbished claims that Governor James Orengo has resigned, terming the rumours baseless, forged, and politically motivated.
This follows the circulation of a letter allegedly signed by Orengo, claiming he had stepped down from office due to health reasons. The document, which went viral on Monday, August 4, triggered widespread speculation over the governor’s whereabouts.
Speaking to the media, Okode clarified that the letter is fake and part of a larger scheme to destabilise county leadership.
“I wish to confirm that I have not received any resignation letter from Governor Orengo. The letter being circulated is non-existent. The governor remains in office and is still discharging his duties as required by law,” said Okode.
He confirmed that Governor Orengo is currently out of the country attending to personal matters and is expected to return soon. According to the speaker, the county government continues to operate normally in the governor’s absence.
“When a governor is temporarily away, the deputy governor assumes responsibilities in an acting capacity. Absence alone does not create a vacancy. Even when present, the governor can delegate duties, even to a messenger. Let’s not cause unnecessary panic,” he added.
Okode also accused those spreading the rumours of orchestrating a campaign to discredit Governor Orengo and derail service delivery in the county.
“They began with poisoning claims, moved to court petitions, and now this resignation narrative. These are all politically calculated moves aimed at damaging the governor’s image,” he said.
He urged Siaya residents to remain calm and ignore misinformation, assuring them that the governor was still at the helm of county leadership and committed to delivering on his mandate.
Okode also corrected claims that Orengo had been away for over a month, saying the governor had only been out of the county for approximately two weeks.
Deputy Governor Oduol Warns Speaker to Stay in His Lane
In a related development, Siaya Deputy Governor William Oduol criticised Speaker Okode for commenting on matters involving the county executive. Oduol reminded the Speaker that the county assembly and executive are separate arms of government, each with its own constitutional mandate.
“I advise the Speaker to restrict his comments to matters concerning the assembly and allow the executive wing, including myself and the governor, to handle its responsibilities,” said Oduol.
The deputy governor, who survived impeachment by the assembly in 2023, signalled his readiness to work with Governor Orengo and offer leadership in his absence.
He called on Siaya leaders to support the governor instead of engaging in divisive rhetoric that risks plunging the county into confusion.
“I remain ready to support the governor’s development agenda and leadership direction until his return,” Oduol stated.
Wandayi Criticises Orengo Over Service Delivery
Earlier, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi appeared to criticise Orengo’s administration, accusing it of neglecting service delivery in favour of political theatrics.
Wandayi, who referenced a stalled KSh1.2 billion national water project, challenged the county government to ensure the completion of last-mile connectivity to homes.
He also raised concerns over the collapse of basic services in Siaya, urging county leadership to focus on development and uphold its mandate to the people.
