West Asembo, Siaya County — Siaya Governor James Orengo has sent a stern message to politicians using political gimmicks and spreading rumours to unsettle county leadership, declaring that he remains firmly in control and more energised than ever to deliver on his mandate.
Speaking on Saturday during the burial of the late Ambassador Bob Francis Jalang’o Nyanduga — the first Member of Parliament for Rarieda Constituency (1988–1992) — Orengo said his return from an extended absence will usher in a new wave of transformative projects across Siaya.
“I want to thank ODM leader Raila Odinga for building confidence and trust in my leadership even when I was away. Now that I am back, Siaya will witness a beehive of activities that will change people’s lives,” Orengo affirmed.
The burial, held at Obaga Village in West Asembo Ward, drew top political figures including Raila Odinga, Cooperatives and MSMEs Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, Deputy Chief of Staff Eliud Owalo, Siaya Speaker George Okode, Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, and several members of the Siaya County Executive Committee.
Unity in Leadership
Orengo lauded Speaker George Okode for his steadfast defense of county government affairs, dismissing criticism over Okode’s frequent public statements on executive matters.
“People forget that Siaya is an ODM government where the party controls both the Executive and the Assembly,” Orengo said.
“In America, the Republicans speak with one voice whether in the Executive or Congress. That’s how we lead here.”
Warning to Political Opportunists
The governor cautioned political rivals who he said were exploiting unemployment and other challenges to undermine his leadership.
“Some politicians dissatisfied with their positions have been warming up for the seat I hold. I want to tell them — Siaya is on the right trajectory,” Orengo warned.
Flagship Projects and Economic Plans
The governor outlined key ongoing and upcoming projects aimed at boosting local economic growth:
Agriculture:
A KES 60 million Usonga Rice Mill to add value to rice grown in Alego/Usonga.
Plans for a modern cotton mill in Rarieda to replace outdated facilities and stop the export of raw cotton to Makueni or Thika.
“We have the funds in the budget. Within the next three months, the cotton mill will be a reality,” Orengo assured.
Infrastructure:
A KES 30 million box culvert in West Asembo to improve transport and ease business.
“These are just part of the many projects we are rolling out to make Siaya a hub for trade and investment,” he said.
Local Leaders Rally Behind Orengo
West Asembo MCA CPA Mark Okeyo hailed the governor’s record, saying no one in the county matches him politically.
Okeyo also issued a jab at those eyeing the governor’s seat, including Ugenya MP David Ochieng:
“Nobody inherits another man’s wife when the husband is still alive,” Okeyo quipped, drawing laughter from mourners.
As the speeches ended and mourners escorted the late Ambassador Jalang’o to his final resting place, Orengo’s message was clear — he sees himself not as a leader on the defensive, but as one ready to reassert his dominance and push Siaya into what he calls a season of “beehive activity.”
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