Orengo is on overseas private trip but will be back soon, Speaker Okode reveals amid anxiety
He assured that county operations remain uninterrupted even in the governor’s absence
Siaya Governor James Orengo is out of the country on a private mission and is expected back soon.
Siaya County Assembly Speaker George Okode revealed this on Monday as he dismissed a fake letter that went viral on social media alleging that the Siaya County boss had sent his resignation letter to the Assembly.
Okode described the letter as a forgery and the work of political saboteurs, as he clarified that Orengo is currently out of the country to deal with personal matters.
He further assured that county operations remain uninterrupted even in the governor’s absence.
“Let no one cause unnecessary panic. The governor is still in office, and the business of the county is running as it should,” Okode told the press in Kisumu on Monday evening.
This came hours after the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) had also flagged fake posts on social media claiming that Orengo had resigned.
In a statement issued by the Raila Odinga-led party, members of the public have been urged to ignore it.
“We can authoritatively state that the letter below is fake. Ignore it and focus,” ODM stated.
The fake letter indicated that the governor had written to the County Assembly informing legislators of his decision to resign .
The letter claimed that the governor had consulted with his family and medical professionals before reaching the decision.
“This decision has been necessitated by personal health challenges that require my full and immediate attention. After extensive consultation with my family and medical professionals, it has become clear that I am unable to discharge my mandate as governor to the best of my ability,” the fake letter read in part.
There has been a growing concern among a section of Siaya residents and civil society organisations, including Siaya Bunge la Wananchi, who have petitioned the County Assembly and Executive to provide clarity on the whereabouts of both Orengo and his deputy, William Oduol.
The petitioners also raised red flags over what they term as a growing overreach by Okode, accusing him of assuming executive functions and, in turn, undermining the Assembly’s constitutional oversight mandate.
Furthermore, they demanded transparency regarding the recently approved county budget as there have been claims the financial estimates were pushed through without proper public participation and that the actual figures remain unclear to the public.
