James Orengo Returns to Work after Long Absence, Sparks Reactions

• Siaya governor James Orengo shared a video of himself reporting to the office days after assuring the public about his health
• The county government of Siaya had clarified his whereabouts after the public got concerned with his long silence
• Social media users reacted to the video of Orengo with mixed opinions on his physical condition and readiness for duty

Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.

Siaya governor James Orengo has broken weeks of silence, appearing in office for the first time since he went abroad for medical treatment.

His absence, which lasted nearly a month, had sparked widespread speculation about his health, including false reports that he had been poisoned.

The county government clarified that Orengo was receiving treatment overseas and dismissed rumours about poisoning.

When did Orengo appear for the first time in public?

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Orengo made his first public appearance at the burial of the late former Karachuonyo MP Phoebe Asiyo, where he assured residents that he was healthy and determined.

“I’m alive and healthy. I’m like a rock, and I am going nowhere. I’ve just shed dead skin,” Orengo declared amid cheers from attendees.

However, a video of the governor captioned 'Back on duty' has sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some Kenyans expressing concerns that he still appears frail.

How did Kenyans react to Orengo's return?

Duke Mainga Echate

"Welcome back, governor, lakini usijikaze sana kubamba watu. Take your time and recover fully first; hizi vitu ni za dunia. Delegate heavy duties to your CECs. All the best, boss."

Bernard Butete

"The emperor, the lion is not feeling well. That song doesn't match the tempo."

Juma Ephraim

"Despite everything, you are not okay... your posture speaks pain, sir."

Joshua Kadu

"The stairs are too much for you. Get your office downstairs."

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Madao Luke

"Nyatieng', so you are confirming that you were actually not on duty?"

Wuod CJ Kang'o

"Have you seen how Governor Gladys Wanga has done a lot while you went silent? Homa Bay is growing daily, while Siaya thrives in making noise."

Onaya Walter

"You love a lot of vituko. Where were you? Please punguza activism kidogo... Siaya needs to move with speed to utilise these broad-based government monies flying around when they are still in the offing."

Ken Okoth

"So you mean you're back after being notified of an ongoing devolution conference in Homa Bay so that you can go see what a woman has achieved while you're busy opposing development."

Did James Orengo resign?

Meanwhile, Orengo’s prolonged absence reached a peak when a fake resignation letter allegedly written by him circulated online.

The letter claimed that Orengo had stepped down due to health concerns, stating he had consulted family and doctors who advised him to focus on recovery.

The letter, reportedly addressed to the county speaker, George Okode, was swiftly dismissed as a forgery. Okode condemned the letter as the work of political saboteurs aiming to destabilise the county administration.

Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke