Prominent Luo professionals and community leaders have come out strongly to defend Siaya Governor James Orengo amid what they describe as a baseless and politically motivated threat to impeach him. This follows growing murmurs from a small section of political actors and local activists who have publicly hinted at initiating an impeachment motion, citing alleged non-performance and governance issues in the county.
In a statement released over the weekend, a coalition of Luo professionals under the banner of the Luo Professionals Caucus for Good Governance (LPCGG) termed the threats laughable and a clear distraction from real developmental issues facing Siaya and the larger Nyanza region. The group, which includes lawyers, academics, business leaders, and civil society figures, said the push to remove Orengo lacks both legal grounding and public support.
Dr. Achieng’ Otieno, a political analyst and founding member of LPCGG, dismissed the impeachment talk as “theatrics orchestrated by individuals threatened by Governor Orengo’s integrity and refusal to play patronage politics. This is not about development or performance; it’s about political vendettas and personal ambition. Governor Orengo has brought much-needed structure and transparency to Siaya’s leadership. That threatens some who benefitted from chaos, she said during a press conference in Kisumu.
Governor Orengo, a respected senior counsel and veteran politician, has been in office since 2022. His administration has prioritized infrastructural improvement, digitization of county services, and streamlining public procurement moves that have earned praise from governance watchdogs but have also reportedly unsettled entrenched interests.
According to LPCGG, Orengo’s performance, though not without challenges, has been significantly better than his predecessors, especially in areas of budget discipline, healthcare investment, and youth empowerment.
You cannot impeach a governor for doing things by the book, said Prof. Omondi Abonyo, a Kisumu-based economist. Let’s have a debate on policy, not personal attacks disguised as accountability.
From a constitutional perspective, legal experts aligned with the group note that the threshold for impeachment under Kenyan law is high. Article 181 of the Constitution outlines grounds such as gross misconduct, abuse of office, and violation of the Constitution none of which, they argue, have been demonstrated in Orengo’s case.
Impeachment is not a political tool to settle scores; it’s a legal process meant to protect public interest. Misusing it undermines democratic governance, stated Advocate Mary Atieno Oduor, who also warned that weaponizing legal processes could destabilize the county.
On the ground, reactions from residents have been mixed, with many expressing confusion and disappointment over the move. Several members of the Siaya County Assembly have publicly distanced themselves from the impeachment talk, terming it premature and lacking grassroots support.
Majority Leader in the Assembly, Hon. Daniel Odhiambo, said, There has been no formal notice of motion, no evidence of wrongdoing, and no consultation with the broader assembly membership. These are political noises that do not reflect the will of the people.
Governor Orengo has so far not directly addressed the impeachment chatter, but sources close to his office say he remains unfazed and focused on delivering his development agenda. He has continued with county tours, launching road projects and inspecting health facilities, while calling for unity and constructive criticism.
Political analysts believe the impeachment rumors are part of internal succession battles ahead of the 2027 general elections, with some local leaders already jostling for influence and visibility.
The Luo Professionals Caucus has called for sober dialogue and issue-based politics in Siaya and the wider Nyanza region. We must rise above petty divisions and support leaders who are working to fix systems, said Dr. Otieno. Impeachment should not be a tool for chaos it should be a last resort, based on evidence, not emotion.
