FAKE NEWS ALERT: ODM Dismisses Viral Letter Claiming Orengo Has Resigned

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has dismissed as fake a viral resignation letter purportedly authored by Siaya Governor James Orengo, triggering a wave of speculation and concern across political circles in Nyanza and beyond.

The letter, bearing the county’s official letterhead and dated August 4, claims Governor Orengo had stepped down due to “personal health challenges” that allegedly required his “full and immediate attention.”

The communication, addressed to the Speaker of the Siaya County Assembly, also named top officials including ODM leader Raila Odinga in its copy list.

But ODM quickly moved to pour cold water on the claims.

“We can authoritatively state the letter below is FAKE. Ignore it and FOCUS,” the party said in a brief but firm post on X (formerly Twitter).

The forged letter paints an emotional farewell by Orengo, expressing gratitude to Siaya residents and stating that his resignation was reached after “extensive consultation with family and medical professionals.”

Siaya Governor James Orengo.

However, ODM insists the governor remains firmly in office and no official communication has come from his verified channels.

A fact-check by Kenya Insights further confirmed that the letter did not originate from any legitimate government or verified communication portal associated with the governor.

While Orengo has maintained a low profile in recent weeks, fueling speculation about his health and absence from public events, his office has not issued any statement suggesting incapacity or intention to vacate his post.

Observers say the timing of the letter could point to a coordinated attempt to destabilize county leadership, especially as local succession battles quietly brew beneath the surface.

Residents have been urged to remain calm and avoid sharing unverified information as the county administration continues with its regular functions.