Siaya Governor James Orengo has announced the postponement of the Siaya International Trade and Investment Conference (SITICO) in honour of the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Through a statement released on Wednesday, October 15, Orengo revealed that Raila’s death had dictated a review of the conference, which was to run from October 14 to October 17.
“These circumstances necessitate a review of the ongoing Siaya International Trade and Investment Conference (SITICO) programme,” he noted.
“As such, all the plenary sessions and side events are postponed to a later date, as we join the family and the Nation in mourning our departed leader. We highly regret any inconveniences caused,” Orengo added.
The conference was to attract a host of national leaders, with President William Ruto and Raila as the Chief and Special Guests, respectively. Other international investors and companies were expected to flock to the lakeside town.
While revealing news of the conference back in August, Orengo announced that it would put Siaya in the economic spotlight as it seeks to pump millions into the county.
‘’This flagship conference will position Siaya as a key destination for investment and enterprise, translating ambition into projects that create jobs, expand markets, and improve lives,’’ Orengo announced.
The theme of the conference was ‘Positioning Siaya as an Investment Destination: Transformative Growth through Trade and Investment’, reflecting the county’s commitment to inclusive prosperity as anchored in the county’s 2023-2027 development plan.
Raila, who died on Wednesday morning after suffering a cardiac arrest in India, was mourned by Orengo as a true patriot and a nationalist, an indomitable and resilient fighter for democracy, justice, and prosperity.
In his condolence message, Orengo referenced their times in prison and exile as they fought for multi-party rule during the tenure of President Daniel Arap Moi.
“Kenya has lost not just a politician, but a revolutionary, a visionary, and a singular force whose shadow stretched across the most consequential five decades of our history. His death leaves a void that no single individual can fill,” he said.
“As we mourn, let us honour his memory not just with tributes, but by reaffirming our commitment to the values he championed: the fight against corruption, the demand for free and fair elections, and the pursuit of national unity anchored on justice and equity,” Orengo affirmed.
