Governor James Orengo resurfaces after several weeks of absence

Siaya Governor James Orengo, who has been out of the country for weeks attending to personal matters, attended the funeral of the late Phoebe Asiyo in Wikondiek village, Homa Bay County. [Michael Mute, Standard]

Siaya Governor James Orengo on Friday attended the burial of former Karachuonyo MP and veteran politician Phoebe Muga Asiyo in Wikondiek village, Homa Bay County, marking his first official engagement since June.

Orengo, who had been out of the country for weeks, returned on Wednesday amid speculation about his whereabouts.

His attendance was confirmed by Siaya County Assembly Speaker George Okode, who had been representing him at county functions during his absence.

The most alarming speculation was the recent incident when someone wrote a fake letter purporting that Orengo had resigned.

The letter was dismissed by the ODM party, terming it disinformation.

Dressed in a dark blue shirt and a light blue pair of trousers, Orengo arrived at the burial venue in style.

He arrived a bit late after the host Governor Gladys Wanga had wound up the session for ushering in governors.

Wanga was speaking in order to usher in Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, but before she concluded,  Orengo arrived at the burial venue. 

Wanga had to stop her speech as the crowd cheered Orengo and accorded him a heroic welcome.

Orengo, who looked jovial, told residents in Dholuo that he was alive.

In what implied that he was answering some of the questions people had been asking about him, the governor said he was alive and healthy.

“I pass my condolences over the demise of Asiyo. I want to confirm to you that Orengo Nyatieng’ is alive and kicking,” Orengo said.

He clarified that he was still the governor of Siaya County, contrary to the resignation allegations people had leveled against him.

“I am assuring you that I am here to stay as a governor and I am not going anywhere,” Orengo added.

He challenged the government to name roads in honour of leaders who made significant contributions in the country by naming Nairobi roads after them.

“The late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga made a lot of efforts in ensuring Kenya got independence and he demonstrated selflessness by ensuring that Jomo Kenyatta became the first president in Kenya. But it is unfortunate that there is no single street in Nairobi named after Oginga. Let the government start recognizing leaders in this country,” Orengo said.