Siaya speaker George Okode has dismissed concerns over the whereabouts of Governor James Orengo, assuring residents that the county boss remains fully in charge and actively executing his duties.
Okode clarified that Orengo's physical absence does not equate to a "vacation of office."
“Governor Orengo is officially out of the country on a private visit. However, that does not mean he is off duty. He continues to co-ordinate his government effectively,” Okode told the media amid growing speculation from a section of the public and political actors.
The governor has been away for about one-and-a-half to two weeks, Okode said, describing it as a “short duration”.
“You can speak to the county secretary and the CECs, work is ongoing. Nothing has stalled in the county government of Siaya,” he added.
No legal vacancy in office
Okode took issue with those questioning who is in charge of the county, explaining that according to Article 182 of the constitution, a vacancy in the office of governor only arises in very specific situations such as resignation, a court-ordered nullification of election, or death.
Unless the county chief is unable to perform his functions and a formal vacancy is declared, not even the deputy governor or speaker can legally take over the role in an acting capacity.
“Being physically away does not mean the governor has vacated office. There is no legal or constitutional basis to claim the office is vacant,” he said.
Drawing from experience, Okode recalled when he briefly acted as governor in 2013, after the courts nullified the election of former Governor Cornel Rasanga and his deputy.
He emphasised that assuming such a position must follow a formal process involving the signing of an oath and declaration in public.
On representation, symbolism is not authority
Addressing criticisms over his frequent appearances on behalf of the governor, Okode stated it is within law and established tradition for trusted officials including the speaker, MCAs, or even family members to represent the governor at various events, depending on their nature.
“When a leader sends you to represent them, it’s a sign of trust. I don’t take it for granted. I perform my duties with humility and pride,” he said.
He highlighted examples, including a nuclear energy forum in Bondo where the Public Service Board chair stood in for the governor and a National Land Commission meeting in Nairobi where the county secretary represented the county boss.
“I’ve also been asked to represent the governor on multiple occasions. That doesn’t mean I’m acting as governor. Representation is not an assumption of power,” Okode clarified.
Critics dismissed as politically motivated
The speaker accused a section of political actors and members of the public of intentionally spreading misinformation for political gain.
“This confusion is either due to ignorance of the law or deliberate political mischief. The governor is firmly in control,” he said.
Okode emphasised that any official acting as governor would need to sign legal instruments and take an oath of office, which has not happened in Orengo’s case.
“To act as governor, you must take an oath in broad daylight, sign declarations and even receive an acting allowance. I have not signed any documents. I am not acting as governor,” he stated
Trusted to serve
Reaffirming his loyalty to the county and its institutions, Okode said he would continue representing leaders including the governor when tasked to do so.
“I recently represented Senator Oburu Oginga at an event in Gem, but that didn’t make me the senator. Likewise, representing the governor does not mean I am acting as governor,” he explained.
He added that on July 22, he is scheduled to represent Orengo at a high-level meeting with a State House delegation.
“I will represent Siaya with dignity, knowledge, and the pride it deserves. When trusted to speak for our leaders, I serve with commitment,” he said.
Okode further dismissed claims of a leadership vacuum as baseless and politically motivated.
“This talk of someone acting as governor is myopic and misplaced. It’s just confusion being fueled by politics. There is no power vacuum in Siaya. Let’s not confuse symbolism with authority. Siaya is in steady hands.”
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