In Siaya County’s ever-shifting political theatre, one figure has stood like an unshakable pillar for more than a decade — Rt. Hon. George Owino Okode, MBS. Since his election as Speaker of the Siaya County Assembly in March 2013, Okode has steered the House through moments of turbulence and triumph, anchoring it in democratic ideals, institutional discipline, and an unyielding commitment to public service.
When he secured a third consecutive term in September 2022, winning 38 of 40 votes, the message from Members of the County Assembly was clear: their Speaker is not just a presiding officer, but a trusted custodian of Siaya’s legislative future.
The Legal Mind Behind the Gavel
An advocate of the High Court of Kenya, Okode brings to the Assembly a legal sharpness that underpins every debate, motion, and oversight process. This isn’t just about quoting the law — it’s about living its principles.
His deep grasp of parliamentary procedure and constitutional provisions ensures that the Assembly’s business is conducted with fairness, order, and transparency. Under his watch, rules are not tools for silencing voices, but safeguards for democracy. It is this respect for the law that has kept Siaya’s Assembly from degenerating into the kind of chaos seen in other devolved units.
Inclusive Leadership, Open Doors
What sets Okode apart is his human approach to leadership. His open-door policy is not a slogan — it is a working philosophy. MCAs know they can walk into the Speaker’s office to consult, seek advice, or air concerns without fear of intimidation.
This culture of accessibility has created an Assembly where voices from all wards — whether aligned politically or not — feel heard. For a county as politically vibrant as Siaya, this inclusivity is both rare and invaluable.
Tested in the Heat of Transition
In 2013, barely months into his first term, Siaya faced a politically sensitive moment: the Governor’s seat fell vacant, and Okode was thrust into the role of Acting Governor for three months.
It was a test of balance — presiding over the Assembly while temporarily heading the executive arm of government. His ability to bridge the two roles without compromising the independence of either side was a quiet masterclass in constitutional governance.
Building Strong Institutions, Not Just Tenure
Okode’s vision is bigger than personalities; it’s about leaving behind a County Assembly that is institutionally strong. Under his leadership, strategic committees and specialized offices have been established, making legislative processes faster, more accountable, and more responsive to citizens’ needs.
His philosophy is simple: Oversight should be constructive, not punitive. This has allowed the Assembly to monitor the executive with firmness but without political vendettas, keeping focus on service delivery.
Champion of Development Priorities
Through legislation and oversight, the Assembly under Okode has prioritized key sectors driving Siaya’s growth — agriculture, infrastructure, education, health, and youth empowerment.
He has consistently argued that laws must translate into tangible change for residents: better farm productivity, stronger school systems, accessible healthcare, and opportunities for young people to thrive.
A Model for Devolution in Kenya
In an era when devolved governments often wrestle with infighting and inefficiency, Okode’s tenure offers a different story: stability, trust, and results.
His leadership inspires confidence not only among MCAs but also among ordinary citizens who see the Assembly as more than a talking shop — it’s an active guardian of their rights and resources.
The Man and the Legacy
Of course, the journey has not been without challenges. Political disagreements, development delays, and the inevitable tensions of county governance have tested his resolve. Yet, time and again, Okode has navigated these moments with diplomacy and focus, choosing unity over division.
Political scholar James MacGregor Burns once said: “Leadership is not about a title or a designation. It’s about impact, influence, and inspiration.” Okode lives this truth daily. His impact is seen in the Assembly’s cohesion, his influence in the county’s stability, and his inspiration in the confidence he instills in Siaya’s democratic future.
As Siaya moves forward, the Speaker’s legacy is already etched in its political history — a legacy of steadfast stewardship, built not on fleeting political winds, but on the enduring pillars of law, dialogue, and service.
Leave a Reply