Amid growing speculation over the prolonged absence of Siaya Governor James Orengo, ODM party leader Raila Odinga has stepped in to reassure the public stating that the county chief is in good health and will soon return to office.
Speaking at a funeral service at Bar Atheng’ Primary School in Ugunja Sub-county, Mr Odinga sought to calm public concern over Siaya’s governance, as both Governor Orengo and his deputy Dr William Oduol remain out of the public eye for more than a month.
“I have heard people asking about the governor’s whereabouts. I want to assure you that he is well and will be back very soon,” said Mr Odinga.
He likened Mr Orengo to a proverbial elephant—respected and powerful—whose absence inevitably sparks murmurs.
“That is Orengo—the elephant whose absence invites whispers. But don’t worry he will return,” Mr Odinga added.
However, the prolonged silence from the county leadership has fueled frustration among residents who are questioning who is currently running county affairs.
The concern has led Julius Oluoch, a resident, to formally petition the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the Senate and the ODM party to address what he terms a “leadership vacuum.”
Mr Oluoch argues that Governor Orengo’s absence has stalled critical county functions, including the approval of the 2025/2026 county budget.
“For over a month now, the governor has been conspicuously absent, paralyzing operations such as the passage of the 2025/2026 budget,” the petition reads.
Siaya County Governor James Orengo.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
A senior county executive confirmed to Nation that on July 17, the Office of the Controller of Budget raised concerns with the acting County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Finance regarding the budget delays. Without an approved budget, funding—including salaries and allowances—risks being frozen.
Compounding the crisis is the longstanding feud between Governor Orengo and his deputy Dr Oduol, who claims he has been sidelined from government operations.
“The Constitution does not envision a prolonged vacancy or dormancy of such key executive offices without public communication or lawful delegation,” the petition continues.
Their fractured relationship, stretching nearly two years, has rendered cooperative leadership nearly impossible. Despite this, the Constitution empowers the deputy governor to act in the governor’s absence.
Last week, Ben Aringo, a resident of Central Alego, issued an ultimatum to the county administration: either Governor Orengo resumes office within two weeks or formally hands over duties to his deputy.
“We want clarity on who is running Siaya. As citizens, we deserve to know what’s happening. If something goes wrong during this period, who is accountable?” Mr Aringo asked.
“The deputy governor isn’t invisible because he’s unwilling to serve—he’s being denied the opportunity. Why hasn’t he been empowered to take over during the governor’s absence?”
As calls for transparency and constitutional adherence mount, residents of Siaya await clear answers and decisive leadership amid rising political uncertainty.
