James Orengo and his running William Oduol celebrate in Siaya after being cleared to vie for the governorship ahead of last year's elections. [File, Standard]
Siaya residents want Deputy Governor William Oduol and Governor James Orengo to put their political differences aside and deliver on their pledges.
They claim the county may lag behind for years because of constant conflicts that can be avoided.
The residents also want investigative agencies to probe corruption claims made by the Deputy Governor.
President William Ruto's troops in the Senate saved the embattled Oduol from impeachment in a dramatic vote on Monday evening.
The Kenya Kwanza senators used their numbers to reject the committee's report that had endorsed his ouster.
In a press statement by Governor Orengo's director of press, Ben Agina, he accused Oduol of being an UDA operative in ODM.
He claimed the revelation had been made clear, particularly when the Senate plenary where UDA majority sits overturned a unanimous decision of a committee.
"Needless to state that this outcome is indeed part of a wider scheme by UDA and its acolytes to destabilise the ODM leader Raila Odinga's backyard. It is common knowledge that Oduol has been meeting Kenya Kwanza leaders to plan the downfall of ODM, the very party that offered him a deputy governor position," said Mr Agina.
Oduol will continue to serve as DG after the Senate voted to keep him in office.
Hellen Atieno, who represents women in Bunge la wananchi in Siaya, called for peace between the two leaders to move Siaya to greater heights.
"We want to be served where there is no infighting. What we want is service delivery. Our request is for the governor and his deputy to sit down and sort out these issues," she said.
Maurice Orondo said residents are worried and concerned about the fights between the two leaders, whom they elected to work together.
Orondo said differences between the governor and his deputy had embarrassed residents. "The verdict from the Senate has embarrassed our local leaders. We want the governor and his allies to realise this is a local county and not a city one, and things must be handled as such. These two were elected together, and none will work alone. The governor must stop listening to those inciting him against working with his deputy. Governor must realise there are people taking advantage of these squabbles to create a bigger rift between them," added Orondo.
Steven Oduor asked investigative agencies to step in now. He said claims by the DG Oduol cannot be ignored, if residents have to be served properly.
"We voted for these two to work together, and the claims must now be investigated if we have to move on swiftly. If it is true some monies were embezzled, those found culpable must be arrested. We cannot lag again in the next five years because of corruption and unnecessary fights," said Oduor.
Another resident, William Obat, said the Senate has done residents proud by not implementing the impeachment.
Obat argued that both leaders must work together. "We do not want to hear about these unnecessary fights. The promises made by the two during campaigns, must be implemented," added Obat.
Human rights activist Chris Owalla who works for Community Initiative Action Group blamed the assembly for hurrying with the impeachment report.
He said it is possible residents may not get development services in the next four years. "These fights are now going to increase with a lot of vigour, unfortunately. Where there are fights like these, it is residents that suffer. The marriage has fully collapsed even if Oduol comes back to the office," said Owalla.
MCA Oduor Odongo said Oduol and Orengo's strained relationship must be sorted out by elders. "What happened yesterday is in the public domain. What we saw, is a war between, Azimio la Umoja and Kenya Kwanza. We however want to remind Siaya residents that we were not in any way malicious with our impeachment decision. We only wanted peace. We substantiated all the allegations to get to that point," he said.
OAOdhiambo@standardmedia.co.ke
