Relief for James Orengo as Siaya MCAs approve all his CECs

Siaya Governor James Orengo speaks during World Food Day, 2022. [Isaiah Gwengi, Standard]

The County Assembly of Siaya has approved Governor James Orengo's County Executive Cabinet (CEC) nominees.

The MCAs adopted a report which contained the background checks of the nominees, with some of them not meeting the stipulated requirements for their respective dockets.

Those approved included Martin Odhiambo (Health), Agunda Ochanda (Administration and Governance), Angeline Atieno (Tourism), Benedict Omollo (Finance) and Edgar Otumba (Education). Others are Grace Agola (Trade), Maurice Otieno (Lands), Sylvester Odhiambo (Agriculture), Caroline Onyango (Water) and George Odhiambo (Public Works).

Last week, the county assembly committee on Appointments vetted the nominees in a two-day exercise.

According to the committee's Tuesday report, the nominee for Administration and Governance Mr Agunda did not have a first degree as was indicated in the advertisement for the position.

"This showed that the nominee did not meet the requirements for the position even though he had experience," said Usonga MCA Christopher Madialo, a member of the committee who read the report.

Mr Omollo, the nominee for finance had two years of experience with government institutions as the Director of Finance in the Judiciary before taking up other appointments in the private sector.

Other nominees lacked knowledge of the policies and functions of the CEC in the dockets for which they were nominated for.

The MCAs, led by Yimbo East Ward MCA Francis Otiato commended nominees following the approval.

Otiato said they approved nominees to enable them to embark on work for the people of Siaya.

"Our work as the assembly is mandated to vet the nominees and we've done our best by giving the governor, who is the appointing authority the people he desires to work with," said Otiato.

The MCA said they will be moving impeachment motions for any incompetent CEC in their respective dockets.

Otiato's sentiments were supported by his North Uyoma counterpart Washington Booker, who said they need to avoid blame by the executive.

"We don't want to be blamed by the executive for being a stumbling block in their development agenda for the people of Siaya," said Booker.

North Ugenya MCA Ben Adalla however raised concern over what he termed as lack of representation of the youth in the cabinet.

He urged governor Orengo to consider youths when nominating Chief Officers.

Siaya Township MCA James Otare however challenged the executive to follow the rules of law.

"Let the executive not indicate requirements needed for appointments if they cannot follow the same," said Otare.