Tension hung thick in the air, but decorum won the day as Siaya Governor James Orengo and Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi shared the stage to bid farewell to former Ugunja MCA and Siaya Assembly Majority Leader, Hon. Bernard Peter Odero Oor.
The late leader—affectionately known as Skumb Nyadala—was buried today at his Rambula home after months of mourning following his February 10 passing. Rumours of goons hired to disrupt and heckle either heavyweight leader evaporated as both men kept their cool in front of thousands of mourners.
In a headline-grabbing address, CS Wandayi fired on all cylinders: he vowed to personally mentor and elevate Odero Oor’s children to pick up their father’s mantle of business savvy and public service. “This legacy will not fade—we will ensure his offspring rise to continue the fight,” Wandayi declared to roaring approval.
He then unleashed the big number: Sh2.4 billion in national government projects lined up for Ugunja and surrounding areas—roads, power, water, you name it—proof, he said, of President William Ruto’s direct investment in the constituency. Wandayi delivered heartfelt condolences straight from H.E. President Dr. William Samoei Ruto, calling the departed MCA a “giant whose impact will outlive us all.”
Siaya County Assembly Speaker George Okode brought levity, cheekily dubbing Wandayi “the intellectual” and praising him for never once standing in his way during their long political rides. The crowd erupted in laughter and nods.
Leader after leader, family and friends who spoke heaped praise on the departed Odero Oor as an astute businessman and a polished politician. Peter Bernard Odero Oor was polygamous and left behind a happy thriving family.
Governor Orengo, ever the statesman, cut through the election fever gripping Siaya. He urged residents to stay calm, uphold integrity, and shun chaos as the “tumultuous” campaigns heat up. “Let us honour Mheshimiwa Odero Oor by choosing unity over division,” he appealed, earning respectful silence.
What started as a potential powder keg ended as a powerful show of maturity. In grief, Siaya’s political titans reminded everyone: leadership endures beyond rivalry.
