Revealed: Orengo in the US for medical treatment

Siaya Governor James Orengo.FILE

Siaya Governor James Orengo is currently in the United States for what insiders have confirmed are medical reasons, as concerns mount over his prolonged absence from public life and the leadership vacuum it has created in the county.

The Star has reliably established that the prominent lawyer and political stalwart departed the country on June 23 aboard Emirates Flight EK720, which took off from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 4:35 pm. 

People in Orengo’s inner circle have confirmed he is receiving medical attention in the US, although his family is yet to issue an official statement.

“The governor is in the US—that is a fact. He is there for medical reasons, but only the family can officially confirm that,” a highly placed source told the Star, requesting anonymity.

Orengo is said to be undergoing treatment at the Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of California, San Francisco—the same medical facility that treated Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o in 2010.

Nyong’o was diagnosed with stage three prostate cancer and declared cancer-free in 2011, after receiving care at the facility.

Another source close to the governor noted that his condition is not critical, saying he is “in good shape” and likely to return to the country in the coming weeks.

Despite reassurances from ODM leader Raila Odinga last month that Orengo is well and will soon resume his duties, anxiety has been growing in Siaya. 

The last time the county boss was seen in public was on June 23, when he appeared before a Senate committee. 

Prior to that, he led a delegation of Siaya leaders to the State House on June 5, for talks on development projects—a meeting that followed weeks of political tension between county officials and the national government.

In Orengo’s absence, questions have emerged about the functioning of the Siaya County Government, with critics pointing to a leadership vacuum and apparent constitutional overreach by some officials.

Most notably, assembly speaker George Okode has assumed high-profile executive roles, including representing the county at major public events. 

On June 27, Okode hosted Livestock PS Jonathan Mueke for the launch of a Sh46 million livestock investment initiative. 

He also stood in for the governor during a nuclear power stakeholders' forum at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology and at a fundraiser at Makasembo Secondary School in Rarieda.

This move has drawn criticism from various quarters, including from Orengo’s estranged deputy, William Oduol, who recently re-emerged after months out of the public eye. 

At a press conference in Nairobi, Oduol extended an olive branch to the governor, pledging loyalty and calling for reconciliation.

“In the spirit of Chapter Six of the constitution, which enshrines leadership and integrity, I extend a hand of reconciliation to his excellency. I remain open to dialogue driven by mutual respect,” Oduol said.

However, he took issue with Okode, accusing him of overstepping his mandate. 

“The county assembly, led by the speaker, is a distinct and independent arm of the government. It is not an extension of the executive nor is it mandated to perform administrative functions,” Oduol asserted.

As public speculation swirls, civil society groups such as Bunge La Wananchi have joined the chorus of voices demanding transparency. 

Residents have filed formal petitions with the county assembly, questioning Orengo’s whereabouts and expressing concern over the apparent lack of governance.

One such petition was submitted by civic activist Julius Oluoch, who accused county leadership of stalling crucial operations, including the approval of the 2025/26 budget. He cited the strained relationship between Orengo and Oduol as a key factor in the governance paralysis.

“For over one month, the governor has been conspicuously absent, leading to stalled key operations, including the approval of the 2025/2026 budget,” Oluoch stated. 

He called on relevant authorities to intervene and provide clarity, arguing that the prolonged absence has left the county in a state of administrative limbo.

In response, Okode dismissed the concerns as “politically motivated,” insisting that the governor is simply on a private trip and has not abdicated his responsibilities.

“Let no one cause unnecessary panic. The governor remains in office and county operations continue as usual,” Okode said during a press briefing in Kisumu on Monday evening.

The situation took a further dramatic turn this week when a fake resignation letter purporting to be from Orengo’s office began circulating on social media. 

The letter, which falsely announced the county chief’s resignation on medical grounds, was quickly flagged as a forgery by the communications director, Chrisphine Omondi.

“HE James Orengo is still the Governor of Siaya. The purported resignation letter is fake,” Omondi said in a statement.

Okode also condemned the forgery, attributing it to “political saboteurs” intent on destabilising the county government.

Orengo, a veteran politician and former senator, has been one of the most influential figures in Kenyan politics for decades. 

Known for his legal acumen and steadfast opposition to authoritarianism in the past, Orengo’s silence and absence in recent weeks have triggered not only speculation but also fears that Siaya may be entering a period of prolonged political instability.

Constitutionally, county governments are expected to provide regular updates on the status of their governors, especially when their absence affects core governance operations. 

While a governor can temporarily delegate functions to a deputy, Siaya’s case has been complicated by the widely publicised rift between Orengo and Oduol—who survived an impeachment attempt in 2023.

Instant Analysis

The prolonged absence of both Siaya Governor James Orengo and his deputy William Oduol has sparked growing concern among residents, who now allege a leadership vacuum at the county’s helm. A formal petition has been lodged with the county assembly and relevant government bodies, accusing the two top officials of abandoning their constitutional responsibilities and stalling critical county functions.