A political storm is intensifying in Siaya County as Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) prepare to initiate impeachment proceedings against Governor James Orengo. They cite stalled development projects and a failure to implement essential programs as key reasons for their actions.
The ward representatives assert that the county executive has not launched any significant development initiatives this financial year, despite the Assembly’s approval of necessary budget allocations.
Central Gem Ward MCA Sylas Madingu voiced these concerns during an Assembly session, emphasizing that most wards have yet to see any tangible development, despite previous commitments and approvals.
Madingu expressed that these delays jeopardize the political standing of MCAs, as residents grow increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress. He highlighted that with only a few weeks left in the financial year, procurement processes for many approved projects remain incomplete.
He recalled a prior consultative meeting where it was agreed that all projects would be tendered by January 2026, a timeline that has not been honored.
“Mr. Speaker, with barely two months remaining in the financial year, the county executive has failed, neglected, and refused to procure and award a significant number of approved procurement projects,” Madingu stated.
In response to these concerns, Siaya County Speaker George Okode has instructed the County Executive to provide a formal response before the Assembly takes any further action. He emphasized the importance of accountability and assured that the Assembly would not overlook issues raised by elected leaders regarding service delivery failures.
This frustration extends beyond a single ward, as several MCAs express similar grievances. They accuse the executive of neglecting critical projects, including roads, water systems, and early childhood development centers.
Some members claim that stalled initiatives, such as a multimillion-shilling water project, have yet to reach the procurement stage, despite earlier public assurances of progress.
To address these delays, the Assembly has resolved to summon senior county officials, including chief officers and procurement directors, to clarify the situation and provide clear timelines for implementation.
As pressure mounts, Governor Orengo finds himself in a precarious position, having positioned himself as a vocal critic of the national government through the Linda Mwananchi brigade.
This movement openly opposes a faction within ODM that supports collaboration with the government, contrasting with the Linda Ground faction led by Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, who assumed party leadership following the death of Raila Odinga in October 2025. Since then, ODM has divided into two camps: one supporting President Ruto’s re-election bid and another advocating for his removal.
Critics of Orengo argue that his political activism risks relegating the region back into opposition politics, potentially depriving it of the benefits associated with government alignment.
“I caution those promoting a revolution in this community. There is an ongoing debate here. Orengo’s calls for revolution have echoed since Jomo Kenyatta’s time. Meanwhile, our brother Oburu advocates for power to transform our people. I urge you to pursue power rather than be misled by opposition rhetoric,” Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot stated.
Additionally, Orengo faces increasing scrutiny from leaders within his broader political circle, including criticism from Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi.
In light of these escalating tensions, Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi has urged MCAs to reconsider the impeachment push, arguing that voters should ultimately decide the governor’s fate in the next general election.
Atandi cautioned that pursuing impeachment at this stage would be unnecessary, especially with the upcoming polls, and warned against diverting attention from essential service delivery priorities.
