Siaya Governor James Orengo has quietly returned to the country after a month-long medical trip abroad, amid mounting speculation over his prolonged absence from public view.
Orengo’s return came just a day after the Star exclusively reported that he had travelled to the US for treatment.
Reliable sources confirmed that the governor landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Tuesday night, ending weeks of speculation about his whereabouts.
“The governor is back. He came back on Tuesday. He is resting today,” an insider told the Star.
Records show he left Kenya on June 23, aboard Emirates Flight EK720, which departed JKIA at 4.35 pm.
The last time the county boss was seen in public was earlier that day when he appeared before a Senate committee.
Before that, on June 5, Orengo had led a delegation of Siaya leaders to State House for development talks, following weeks of political tension between county and national government officials.
During his absence, concerns emerged over the functioning of the county government, with critics pointing to a perceived leadership vacuum and alleged constitutional overreach by certain county officials.
Notably, county assembly speaker George Okode stepped into high-profile roles typically reserved for the governor.
On June 27, Okode hosted Livestock PS Jonathan Mueke during the launch of a Sh46 million livestock investment.
He also represented the county at a nuclear power stakeholders’ forum at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology and at a fundraiser in Rarieda.
His increased visibility sparked criticism from some quarters, including Deputy Governor William Oduol, who has recently resurfaced after months out of the limelight.
At a press conference in Nairobi, Oduol extended an olive branch to the governor, pledging his 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.
Civil society groups, including Bunge La Wananchi, also joined residents in demanding transparency about Orengo’s absence.
Several petitions were filed with the county assembly seeking clarity on the governor’s whereabouts and the state of county governance.
One such petition, submitted by civic activist Julius Oluoch, accused the county leadership of stalling essential operations, including the approval of the 2025/26 budget.
He blamed the strained relationship between Orengo and Oduol for the governance impasse.
“For over one month, the governor has been conspicuously absent, leading to stalled key operations,” Oluoch stated.
“We urge relevant authorities to intervene and provide clarity. The prolonged absence has left the county in a state of administrative limbo.”
In response, the speaker dismissed the concerns as politically driven, insisting that services were running smoothly despite Orengo’s absence.
“Let no one cause unnecessary panic. The governor remains in office and county operations continue as usual,” Okode said.
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