A respected climate change expert, Rev. Dr. Maurice Abiero Awuora, has issued a sober but urgent appeal to environmental advocates and civic actors in Siaya County: tone down the hostility, keep the doors open, and avoid slipping into political traps.
Speaking in a candid internal communication to fellow stakeholders, Rev. Dr. Maurice Abiero Awuora warned that while pushing for accountability remains essential, unrestrained criticism risks poisoning the very collaboration the groups have worked hard to build with the Siaya County Government.
Rev. Dr. Maurice Abiero Awuora noted that recent engagements between the climate group and senior county officials show a rare moment of progress that must be protected, not squandered.
“We risk antagonising ourselves with the county government of Siaya if we aren’t careful in our blatant criticism of the current administration,” he cautioned.
The expert highlighted that through the leadership of convener Dr Oremo, the team has already secured high-level access to critical decision-makers — from the County Assembly, the County Secretary, the CECM for Environment, and even the Directorate of Environment.
This, he said, is not a privilege to take lightly.
According to Rev. Dr. Maurice Abiero Awuora the current momentum presents a chance to build formal, structured working relationships with the county — something rarely achieved by grassroots advocacy groups in Kenya.
He urged his colleagues to:
Recognise and appreciate the open-door policy extended by Siaya County officials
Use constructive engagement, not confrontational politics
Avoid messaging that may paint the group as a “pressure group” or political lobby aimed at undermining Governor James Orengo
The risk, he warned, is that political actors may hijack their messaging and weaponise it for electoral battles.
“Let’s avoid being seen as a political pressure group being used to decampaign Hon James Orengo and his team,” he advised.
To reinforce goodwill and reset the tone, Rev Dr … recommended formally reaching out to H.E. Governor James Orengo for a courtesy call.
The delegation, he suggested, should aim to:
1. Appreciate the cooperation exhibited by county officers
2. Brief the governor on progress made by the climate initiative
3. Highlight priority environmental issues for early 2026, especially in the context of the recent State of the County Address
This, he argued, would solidify mutual trust while preserving the group’s credibility as non-partisan, evidence-driven advocates.
Rev. Dr Maurice Abiero Awuora reminded the team of Kenya’s political reality: elected leaders seeking a second term are already campaigning, whether openly or quietly.
For that reason, he urged members to remain strategic, measured and professional.
“We should bear in mind their political pressures while engaging them — not to support their re-election, but to avoid unnecessary adversarial engagement,” he clarified.
The expert’s remarks come at a time when environmental degradation, waste management failures, and climate impacts are escalating across Siaya County.
His message is clear:
To win the climate fight, advocates must work with — not against — the institutions that hold the levers of policy and funding.
With the stakes rising and climate impacts mounting, Rev Dr …’s call for diplomacy over hostility may be exactly the strategic reset Siaya’s environmental movement needs.
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