Siaya Governor James Orengo has spoken out to clarify rumours that circulated about his health following his disappearance from public view several months ago, saying the speculation was unfounded.
Addressing the issue, Orengo said that at the time of his absence, he was in India, where he spent time with friends and underwent routine medical check-ups.
He said that the trip was not prompted by ill health and that the examinations were part of his regular medical care.
“I’m well, but I was in India, where I spent some time with friends. A few years ago, I went to Chennai. While there, I went through some medical check-up, which I normally do. It was just that, instead of answering rumours, I presented myself at Phoebe’s funeral,” he said on Monday during an interview with NTV.
The governor explained that he deliberately chose not to respond to the rumours when they first emerged, opting instead to make his reappearance at veteran politician and women’s rights trailblazer Phoebe Asiyo’s funeral rather than engage in public speculation.
His prolonged absence had, at the time, fueled widespread discussion and unverified claims on social media and within political circles.
Earlier reports emerged indicating that the governor had travelled abroad for medical attention.
Reliable sources had confirmed that Orengo returned to the country, with flight records showing he left Kenya on June 23.
His last known public engagement had been the same day he departed, when he appeared before a Senate committee.
Asiyo’s funeral service brought together a host of dignitaries, including President William Ruto and the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who joined hundreds in honouring Asiyo’s life and legacy. She passed away at the age of 89.
During the service, Governor Orengo also took the opportunity to call for greater national recognition of Kenya’s past heroes, particularly those involved in the country’s liberation and development.
Appearing composed and in high spirits at the service held in Homa Bay County, Orengo addressed the speculation directly.
“I am alive… I am not going anywhere,” he declared, drawing cheers from mourners.
On August 4, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party flagged a letter claiming the resignation of Siaya Governor Orengo.
The fake letter that had gone viral was alleged to have come from the Siaya Governor and was addressed to the Speaker of the Siaya County Assembly and copied to the Deputy Governor, the Council of Governors and ODM leader Raila Odinga.
“We can authoritatively state the letter below us is FAKE. Ignore it and FOCUS,” the Orange party said on X.
The fake letter cited personal health challenges as the reason for the alleged resignation, which it alleges was done in consultation with his family.
by PERPETUA ETYANG
