The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has dismissed claims that Siaya Governor James Orengo has resigned, following days of speculation about his status as county boss.
On Monday morning, a letter circulated on social media purporting to show that the governor had stepped down through a formal resignation addressed to the Speaker of the Siaya County Assembly.
ODM, however, dismissed the document as fake, urging the public to disregard it.
“We can authoritatively state that the letter below is fake. Ignore it and focus,” the party said in a brief statement.
The letter, dated August 4, 2025, claimed Orengo had resigned with immediate effect, citing personal health challenges that required his full and urgent attention. It further stated that the decision was made after consultations with family and medical professionals.
In the document, Orengo is said to have thanked the people of Siaya, elected leaders, and county staff for their support, calling the role the greatest honour of his public life.
The letter bore a signature and was copied to several top officials, including the Deputy Governor, County Secretary, Clerk of the Assembly, Council of Governors Chairperson, and ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga.
Meanwhile, Siaya could be facing a looming leadership crisis as Orengo and his deputy, William Oduol, face mounting pressure over their alleged prolonged absence from office.
A concerned resident had initially petitioned top government institutions, accusing the county's two highest-ranking leaders of neglecting their constitutional mandates and, consequently, paralysing vital county operations.
The petitioner, Julius Oluoch, claimed that Orengo has been conspicuously absent from public view for over a month, leading to significant delays, including the critical approval of Siaya's 2025/2026 budget.
This purported vacuum has been exacerbated by the strained relationship between Orengo and Oduol, with the deputy governor alleging he has been deliberately sidelined from official duties.
However, Orengo himself has been silent on his whereabouts, with key county functions being presided over by the Speaker of the assembly, George Okode.
Last week, the County Chief of Staff, Colonel (retired) Cyrus Oguna, hosted a team from the national government led by Defence PS Patrick Mariru and his Medical Services counterpart, Ouma Oluga, to deliberate on key development initiatives being undertaken by the military in the county.
