Orengo still in office, ODM says as fake resignation letter emerges
The false claims come at a politically delicate time for Orengo, who recently met President William Ruto at State House on June 5, 2025.
The Orange Democratic Movement has dismissed as fake a letter circulating on social media claiming that Siaya Governor James Orengo has resigned from office.
The letter, which features the county government's letterhead and appears to bear Orengo's signature, alleges he stepped down citing health concerns and a need for leadership transition.
It was reportedly addressed to the County Assembly Speaker and copied to several county offices.
ODM condemned the letter, calling it a deliberate attempt to mislead the public. “We can AUTHORITATIVELY state the letter below is FAKE. Ignore it and FOCUS,” the party said in a post on its official X account. County officials also labelled the letter as forged, warning residents against falling victim to misinformation.
The false claims come at a politically delicate time for Orengo, who recently met President William Ruto at State House on June 5, 2025.
The meeting, which was arranged by ODM leader Raila Odinga, marked a rare show of cooperation between the opposition governor and the national government. It led to the announcement of key development projects in Siaya County, including the construction of the Siaya County Referral Hospital Complex and the planned rehabilitation of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium by the Kenya Defence Forces.
Orengo’s engagement with the Kenya Kwanza administration has been praised as a strategic move focused on development. Raila Odinga has encouraged ODM governors to work closely with the national government to benefit their counties, reinforcing that development should take priority over political differences.
The fake letter attempted to portray a crisis in Siaya’s leadership by falsely quoting Orengo as saying, “After consultation with my family and medical professionals, it has become clear I am unable to continue the demanding duties of the Governor’s office.” However, Orengo has not issued any statement suggesting he plans to step down, and there has been no confirmation from any reliable source.
ODM has maintained that Governor Orengo is still in office and remains committed to delivering on his development agenda for the people of Siaya.
