Concerns and Speculations Over Orengo’s Extended Absence From Office and Prolonged Stay Abroad

Siaya County plunged into uncertainty as Governor’s prolonged absence fuels leadership vacuum and internal power struggles

SIAYA COUNTY – A deepening governance crisis has engulfed Siaya County as Governor James Orengo’s unexplained absence from office stretches beyond three weeks, sparking widespread concerns about leadership vacuum and administrative paralysis.

The county’s top official has been conspicuously absent from public duties since June 23, when he last appeared before the Senate’s Public Accounts Committee to address audit queries.

Sources within the county administration confirm that Orengo is currently out of the country on what has been described as a “private trip,” though no official communication has been issued regarding the duration or nature of his travels.

The governor’s absence has created an unprecedented situation where County Assembly Speaker George Okode has assumed ceremonial duties typically reserved for the county’s chief executive.

This unusual arrangement has raised constitutional questions about the proper delegation of executive powers during a governor’s absence.

“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,” Deputy Governor William Oduol told reporters, painting a picture of administrative dysfunction.

The situation has become more complex due to the ongoing fallout between Orengo and his deputy.

Despite surviving a turbulent impeachment attempt and being cleared by the Senate, Oduol claims he has been systematically sidelined from county operations.

Oduol’s revelations expose the depth of the internal crisis.

He alleges that his office has been “completely disabled,” with staff instructed not to communicate with him or accept his directives.

The deputy governor claims he has been excluded from cabinet meetings, had his benefits and allowances withdrawn, and even resorts to fueling the official county vehicle from his personal funds.

“Any effort to perform my official duties is futile, as the governor has issued firm instructions that no one should deal with me,” Oduol stated, suggesting a complete breakdown in the county’s executive structure.

The governance crisis has cascaded through various levels of county administration.

Both the County Executive Committee Member for Finance and the Chief Officer for Finance are currently serving in acting capacities without clear supervision from either the governor or his deputy.

This administrative limbo has raised concerns about the county’s ability to make crucial financial decisions and implement development projects.

The situation becomes more troubling considering that Siaya County handles millions of shillings in public resources and oversees critical services for its residents.

Orengo is seen with Ruto at State House, Nairobi when he led a delegation of Siaya leadership meet the president for development discussions on June 5.

Speaker George Okode has attempted to downplay the crisis, confirming that while the governor is physically out of the country, he remains “not out of duty.” Okode dismissed concerns about service delivery disruption, terming the issues as “politically instigated.”

“No law has been breached and there is no cause for alarm over the governor’s short physical absence,” Okode assured, though he acknowledged that it would constitute a legal breach if he, as speaker, were to chair a cabinet meeting.

The speaker explained that Orengo has been nominating different individuals, including MCAs and executive members, to represent him at various functions.

However, this ad hoc arrangement has raised questions about continuity and accountability in county governance.

The governor’s absence has been particularly noticeable during significant county events.

He missed the ceremony for the translation of Canon Ida Odinga at St Peter’s ACK Church, Nyamira, and was represented at a nuclear power stakeholders’ engagement at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology in Bondo.

His last public appearance was on June 5, when he led a delegation of Siaya leaders to State House to discuss development projects.

The contrast between his active engagement then and current absence has fueled speculation about underlying issues.

The crisis has broader political implications, particularly given Orengo’s stature as a veteran politician and former senator.

The situation has vindicated some of Deputy Governor Oduol’s earlier warnings about governance challenges in the county.

“All the MPs are now raising the same issues I raised in 2022. I have been vindicated,” Oduol stated, suggesting that the current crisis was foreseeable.

Legal experts are beginning to question whether the current arrangement complies with constitutional requirements for county governance.

The prolonged absence of a governor without formal handover to the deputy raises questions about the continuity of executive authority and accountability to the electorate.