ODM Breaks Silence, Denies Orengo Resignation Letter as Siaya Crisis Deepens

ODM Breaks Silence, Denies Orengo Resignation Letter as Siaya Crisis Deepens

Kenyans woke up in shock on Monday after a viral letter claiming Siaya Governor James Orengo had resigned took over social media.

The letter, dated August 4, 2025, looked official. It cited “personal health challenges” and appeared addressed to the Speaker of the Siaya County Assembly, with copies sent to ODM Leader Raila Odinga, the Deputy Governor, and several other high-ranking officials.

But just hours later, ODM fired back.

“We can authoritatively state that the letter below is fake. Ignore it and focus,” the party declared in a firm social media post.

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The Alleged Resignation Letter

The document was detailed. It claimed Orengo had resigned with immediate effect after consultation with his family and doctors.

It included heartfelt lines like:

“I thank the people of Siaya, elected leaders, and county staff for their overwhelming support. Serving as your governor has been the greatest honour of my life.”

Yet ODM insisted: it’s all fabricated.

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Mounting Tension in Siaya

Even as the party tried to extinguish the fire, questions about Orengo’s absence from the public eye only grew louder.

For more than a month, the governor has reportedly skipped major public functions. County operations have slowed, and concerns are rising.

“We are suffering. Services are stuck, and no one seems to be in charge,” said local resident Julius Oluoch, who filed a petition demanding answers from the Senate and EACC.

Meanwhile, Deputy Governor William Oduol is accused of taking a back seat amid an ongoing power struggle. He recently claimed he was being sidelined deliberately, deepening the leadership crisis.

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Silence at the Top

Despite public outcry, Governor Orengo has remained completely silent. No media briefings. No social appearances. His office has released no official update on his health or whereabouts.

The Speaker of the County Assembly, George Okode, has taken charge of key county functions in Orengo’s absence.

Just last week, Colonel (Rtd) Cyrus Oguna, the county’s Chief of Staff, met with national government officials to discuss development projects. Governor Orengo was notably missing.

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Uncertainty Looms

For now, ODM stands firm. Orengo hasn’t resigned. The letter is fake. But silence from the man at the center of the storm is only fueling more questions.

Siaya residents want answers—and they want them fast.

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ODM Breaks Silence, Denies Orengo Resignation Letter as Siaya Crisis Deepens