Siaya County on Edge as Deputy Governor William Oduol’s Bold Call for Caretaker Committee Exposes Cracks in Leadership, Threatening ODM Unity and Electoral Shakeup
In a blistering speech that has sent shockwaves through Siaya’s political landscape, Deputy Governor William Oduol took center stage at the Linda Ground rally, openly demanding the ouster of Governor James Orengo. Labeling Orengo as “incapacitated” and past his prime, Oduol urged Speaker George Okode to form a caretaker committee to salvage the county’s crumbling administration. This audacious move, echoing widespread voter frustration, could shatter the delicate power balance in the County Government of Siaya (CGS) as the 2027 elections loom.
Oduol didn’t mince words, channeling the crowd’s viral sentiments that Orengo has “outlived his usefulness.” Rally attendees roared in agreement, chanting in vernacular: “Dhi Dala koso ok dhi?” – roughly translating to “Should Orengo go home or not?” The thunderous response? “Dhi!” (Go!). While Orengo publicly blames Kenya’s woes on President William Ruto, Siaya residents point the finger squarely at their governor for failing to deliver on basic mandates.
The deputy painted a grim picture of administrative paralysis: delayed salaries for county staff, disconnected water and electricity in government offices, and a system “grounded to a standstill.” “I was in the office yesterday and shocked to see no water or power due to unpaid bills,” Oduol revealed, highlighting how far the rot has spread. These revelations aren’t just rhetoric – they’re a reflection of grassroots anger over unmet promises in healthcare, education, infrastructure, and land disputes like the Yala Swamp Delta saga.
Orengo’s downfall, according to Oduol and rally speakers, stems from self-inflicted wounds. Once a revered activist riding on the coattails of opposition icon Raila Odinga, Orengo now clings to power amid “old age” and a circle of sycophants. He squandered redemption opportunities by sidelining proficient allies – including Oduol himself – on bad advice from cronies. Instead of empowering public communication for better optics or hiring healthcare workers, building roads, or ensuring medicine supplies, Orengo let henchmen starve key departments while positioning themselves for future electoral bids.
The rally’s undercurrent? A tenuous awareness of legal hurdles in removing a sitting governor. Yet, leaders pressed on, mirroring voter demands for accountability. This isn’t mere infighting; it’s a potential tipping point for Siaya’s power dynamics. With Raila’s influence gone, Orengo’s “originality and political weight” have evaporated, leaving him vulnerable.
Adding fuel to the fire, Oduol affirmed ODM’s unity under Dr. Oburu Oginga’s leadership, tasked with forging alliances – starting with President Ruto’s UDA party. This nod to cross-party talks signals shifting allegiances, potentially upending ODM’s stronghold in Luo Nyanza and reshaping the 2027 battlefield.
As Siaya simmers, Oduol’s speech isn’t just a deputy venting – it’s a clarion call that could force Orengo’s hand or spark a full-blown succession war. Will the governor rally his base, or has the tide turned? One thing’s clear: Siaya’s 2027 power balance hangs by a thread, and Oduol just yanked it hard. Stay tuned as this drama unfolds in Kenya’s opposition heartland.
