Siaya, Kenya — Ugenya residents have been urged to rally behind Governor James Orengo and protect the gubernatorial seat ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at Udira Kamrembo Mixed Secondary School, Siaya County Chief Officer for Environment and Water, Michael Oliech, called on locals to “jealously guard” the seat held by Orengo, describing his development track record as unmatched in recent county leadership.
Oliech cautioned residents against falling for what he termed “cheap politics” from self-serving leaders seeking to unseat Orengo. He accused some political actors currently holding government positions of orchestrating smear campaigns and spreading falsehoods to gain political mileage.
“The gubernatorial post held by Orengo has attracted politicians using dirty tricks and gimmicks. But let’s not forget how Ex-Governor Cornel Rasanga was backed solidly by Alego-Usonga and won re-election. Orengo deserves the same support,” said Oliech.
He emphasized that Governor Orengo’s leadership has been characterized by determination and a clear focus on development and improving livelihoods across the county. Through collaboration with the national government, Orengo has secured close to KES 1 billion worth of projects for Siaya, Oliech noted.
Major Projects Underway
Last week, two Principal Secretaries—Patrick Mariru (Defence) and Dr. Ouma Oluga (Health)—visited Siaya and announced the imminent groundbreaking for a state-of-the-art referral hospital. Excavators are expected on-site within three weeks.
“Designs are ongoing, and the second phase of the stadium project—including canopy installation—will be completed as part of a KES 1 billion investment,” said Oliech.
He credited Orengo for reviving projects left incomplete by his predecessor, such as the Siaya stadium, and for kickstarting key economic initiatives. In Usonga, for instance, rice production has surged under Orengo’s administration, with local farmers now able to process their harvests affordably, cutting out exploitative middlemen.
In the health sector, the county government is implementing new inpatient complexes at Urenga Health Centre and Bar Ndege Health Centre in East Ugenya Ward. The modern facilities will span multiple floors and offer comprehensive medical services, including:
Preventive, curative, and palliative care
Male and female wards
Isolation units
Operating theatres
Imaging and diagnostic services (X-ray, ultrasound)
Recovery rooms and scrubbing areas
Disability-accessible infrastructure
Rooftop-level security measures.
“These are signs of real development, and Governor Orengo is delivering on his promises across all six sub-counties of Siaya,” Oliech stated.
100 Bicycles for Students to Boost Mobility and Learning
During the event at Udira Kamrembo Secondary School, Oliech also presided over the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Buffalo Bicycles Kenya. The agreement saw 100 bicycles donated to students to enhance school attendance and reduce dropout rates, especially among girls.
The initiative is part of a broader collaboration to support climate change champions and learners in remote areas. Oliech was accompanied by County Chief Officer for Education, Richard Ogeda.
“The bicycles will ease the burden of long walks to school, especially for girls, and reduce their vulnerability to social risks like reliance on unsafe rides,” said Oliech.
Buffalo Bicycles Kenya Country Manager, John Mulwa, confirmed that the first batch of 100 bicycles—30 for boys and 70 for girls—had already been distributed.
“These bicycles are more than just transport; they are tools for education and empowerment. The girls, in particular, will no longer need to rely on free motorcycle rides that can be unsafe,” Mulwa said.
Leave a Reply