Regrets Hit James Orengo After Snubbing Raila’s Advice
Siaya Governor James Orengo has expressed sorrow for following Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga’s advice against appointing William Oduol as his deputy.
Orengo and his deputy came before the Senate Devolution Committee on Wednesday, May 22, to answer questions about the alleged mistreatment of Oduol by delaying reinstating him in office after the Senate exonerated him in June 2023 after the county assembly impeached him.
“I regret ignoring the advice given to me by ODM party Leader Raila Odinga and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga against choosing Oduol as my running mate during the 2022 General Election,” Orengo remarked.
The county administrator informed the devolution committee that reconciliation with his deputy governor was difficult.
In his arguments, Orengo told the committee chair Sheikh Abbas that William Oduol refused to admit his membership in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and commit to following party rules.
“I experienced the consequences just after the election for the short time I left him to be in charge of the county as I pursued Raila’s presidential election petition,” he disclosed.
He added that the scenario put him in a Catch-22 situation because if he agreed to collaborate with Oduol, citizens would object because Siaya is an ODM stronghold. According to Orengo, the DG disowned his party.
The circus in Siaya County began in May 2023, when 38 MCAs passed a motion to remove Oduol from office.
The ward delegates accused the director-general of gross wrongdoing.
Oduol was eventually saved by the Senate, which overturned the county assembly’s resolution to impeach him.
Oduol accused Orengo of embezzling county monies. He revealed how millions were removed from the county coffers without following proper protocol.
Regrets Hit James Orengo After Snubbing Raila’s Advice
