An enterprising young man is said to be deeply regretting his aggressive online campaign against Siaya Governor James Orengo’s administration as it may scupper his chances of landing a county position he had been eyeing.
Insiders familiar with the situation say the sharp-minded young man, active and influential on social media thanks to his well-reasoned posts and professional standing, first caught attention for his combative criticism of the county leadership.
Then, around July last year, a youthful peer with strong connections inside the administration reached out privately. The insider highlighted the young man’s impressive online reach and suggested that upcoming vacancies were on the horizon—roles he could qualify for—if he shifted his tone and began sharing positive content about the administration.
For several months, he did exactly that. His timelines filled with supportive posts praising Governor Orengo’s work, aligning him closely with the county leadership’s narrative.
But the shift proved short-lived. In early November, sources say rival political players opposed to the governor recruited him to their side. Since then, he has been openly and aggressively campaigning against Orengo in one of Siaya’s most prominent digital spaces—the influential “Siaya Today” WhatsApp group.
His messages grew increasingly harsh, repeatedly criticizing and undermining the governor in front of hundreds of county stakeholders, professionals, and senior officials.
Last week, the Siaya Public Service Board announced a series of new vacancies, including roles that matched the kind the young man had been told about months earlier.
Now he faces an awkward reality: several senior PSB members are active in the same WhatsApp group and have seen his relentless attacks firsthand. Insiders believe his outspoken criticism has severely damaged—possibly destroyed—any prospect of favourable consideration.
The episode has become a cautionary tale for Kenya’s youth: in the digital age, social media posts are permanent, and you never truly know who is reading them. A single inflammatory message can undo months of careful positioning.
As political rivalries intensify in Siaya, this story highlights a hard truth—online behaviour has offline consequences, especially when career opportunities and political loyalties collide.
Young Kenyans, take note: your next post could be read by the very people deciding your future. Use social media wisely.
