Siaya Governor James Orengo made his first public appearance during the burial of former Karachuonyo MP Phoebe Asiyo in Wikondiek Village, Homa Bay County, on Friday, ending weeks of speculation on his whereabouts.
He arrived at the funeral service at around 1.30pm, three hours after President William Ruto and ODM party Leader Raila Odinga.
Mr Orengo landed in Karachuonyo in a helicopter just when the host Governor Gladys Wanga was paying her tribute to Ms Asiyo.
For a while, the crowd of mourners cheered him with some even rushing to him, but had to be stopped by hawk-eyed security detail in the event that was attended by the President.
His presence ended speculation about where he had been all along with reports indicating that he had been either in India or America for treatment.
Though he did not mention where he has been, the firebrand politician spoke strongly as he assured his supporters and Kenyans in general that he was in good health.
Speaking in the native Dholuo, he told off critics that there was nowhere he was going amid rumours that he had resigned from his seat, claims earlier dismissed by Siaya Speaker George Okode.
“An Orengo Nyatieng Angima, an Orengo Kidi onge kama adhiye, koro eka aroch marach. (I Orengo the rock, I am well. I am Orengo the stone, there is nowhere I am going. In fact, I have shed off my old skin shed and feel newer than ever),” said Mr Orengo.
“This lady here, if we trace back to the movement of human and women rights, Phoebe Asiyo was ahead of our time. She started that struggle before independence and continued afterwards,” said Governor Orengo.
He stated that he was privileged to have served with her in Parliament saying during that time, it was difficult for women to be in parliament.
He pointed out that the fact that Homa Bay County leads in elected women is a great testimony to Phoebe Asiyo.
“Phoebe used to take very serious issues in parliament, where there were male charlatans, chauvinists and misogynists and would not entertain women being leaders in Parliament. For that matter I honour her,” said the governor.
According to Mr Orengo, there is a trend in Kenya where people are very shy in rewarding heroes.
They are not given their right place in history particularly those who have fought hard for independence for this country. Jaramogi contributed a lot to this nation but there is no monument named after him. That is a trend that we must correct,” said Mr Orengo.
Mr Orengo resurfaced three days after his deputy, William Oduol, released a statement on the current situation in Siaya County.
Mr Oduol broke his silence over the leadership issues facing the county, claiming he is not aware where his boss was.
His sentiments came at a time when Siaya Speaker, George Okode also refuted claims that the governor, who has been missing from the public for some time, has resigned.
Mr Oduol, who has not been seeing eye to eye with Governor Orengo, said he was yet to get an official communication from the family or the office of the county boss, on the whereabouts of his Boss even as the residents continue to question where their governor is.
The deputy governor said the absence of the governor is a big concern not only to him, but the residents, claiming that cartels could take advantage to engage in corrupt deals while he is away.
Mr Oduol extended an olive branch to his boss, even pledging loyalty and asking for calm amidst the anxiety that has risen over this matter.
The prolonged silence from the county leadership had fuelled frustration among residents who have been questioning who is running the affairs of the devolved unit.
A petition has also been filed by a resident of Siaya Julius Oluoch to Ethics an Anti-Corruption Commission, Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, the Senate and the Orange Democratic Movement Party to address what he terms a ‘leadership vacuum’.
