Siaya Governor James Orengo is currently out of the country on a private mission, the County Secretary has confirmed.
Speaking exclusively to Kenyans.co.ke, County Secretary Joseph Ogutu dismissed speculation that the governor had deserted duty, stating that the executive leadership of the county remains intact and functional.
"There is no cause for concern. The governor is away on a private mission that is part of his executive responsibilities," Ogutu stated.
However, when pressed for details regarding the mission, Ogutu declined to provide any specifics, citing confidentiality and protocol. “The nature of the business remains private, and therefore, I cannot comment on the same. That would be a case of insubordination since the County Speaker had also issued a statement stating that he is on a private mission,” he added.
He also declined to confirm the timeline for the governor’s return, reiterating that it remained part of confidential government business. “It is private, and I am not in a position to disclose when he will be back,” Ogutu noted.
The governor’s absence has sparked public concern in Siaya and across the country, especially following his low-profile presence in recent county activities. In his absence, County Assembly Speaker George Okode and the Chief of Staff have been representing the county in official functions, drawing criticism from residents and leaders over the unclear leadership structure.
A section of locals has also raised concerns over the absence of Deputy Governor William Oduol Denge, who has not taken part in county functions for over a year following a failed impeachment attempt in 2023.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Deputy Governor Oduol sought to clarify governance structures, emphasising the constitutional separation of roles between the County Assembly and the Executive.
“Recent developments have caused some confusion regarding the respective roles of the County Executive and the County Assembly. I wish to provide clarity,” read part of the statement.
“The County Assembly, led by the Honourable Speaker, is a distinct and independent arm of government, as outlined in Article 185 of the Constitution. Its role is legislative: to enact laws, approve budgets, and provide oversight. It is not an extension of the Executive, nor is it mandated to perform administrative functions.”
“Equally, the Executive, under the leadership of the Governor, remains responsible for implementing laws and managing day-to-day county operations. I call upon all leaders and institutions, specifically the Speaker of Siaya County, Hon George Okode, to respect this separation of powers, and to safeguard the institutional boundaries that ensure good governance and constitutional order,” he added.
In response to the DG’s statement, the County Secretary stated that he would not be drawn into the power debate. “I cannot comment on the DG’s statement; he is equally my boss and therefore a comment would mean I am taking a supervisory role,” Ogutu remarked.
“The right person to respond to that, which he might perhaps do when he comes back, is the overall boss, the governor himself,” he concluded.
