Nairobi, Kenya- The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has strongly refuted claims that Siaya Governor James Orengo has resigned, following a viral resignation letter that circulated on social media Monday morning.
The letter—dated August 4, 2025—allegedly bore Orengo’s signature and cited health challenges as the reason for his abrupt departure from office.
It claimed the decision followed consultations with family and medical professionals and was copied to top officials including the Deputy Governor, the County Secretary, and ODM party leader Raila Odinga.
But in a brief statement, ODM dismissed the document as fake:
“We can authoritatively state that the letter below is fake. Ignore it and focus,” the party posted.
Despite the party’s denial, concerns continue to mount over a perceived leadership vacuum in Siaya County. Residents and political observers have questioned the prolonged absence of both Governor Orengo and his deputy, William Oduol, from public functions.
Local petitioner Julius Oluoch recently sounded the alarm in a formal complaint to relevant state bodies, accusing the two top officials of neglecting their duties and crippling county operations.
He pointed to stalled services and a delayed 2025/2026 budget as consequences of their prolonged absence.
Further fueling the leadership concerns is the ongoing fallout between Orengo and his deputy. Oduol has publicly claimed he’s been sidelined from county affairs, deepening fears of administrative paralysis.
While neither Orengo nor his deputy has publicly addressed the accusations or their whereabouts, county business continues—with Speaker George Okode presiding over key functions.
Notably, County Chief of Staff Colonel (Rtd.) Cyrus Oguna recently hosted national government officials, including Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru and Medical Services PS Ouma Oluga, for development discussions in Orengo’s absence.
As the silence persists and rumours swirl, residents are calling for clarity and leadership from both the county and national governments.
While the ODM party has dismissed the resignation letter as a fabrication, the public remains eager for a formal statement from Governor Orengo himself to put the matter to rest.
