Siaya DG Oduol to appear before assembly over war of words with Orengo

Siaya Deputy Governor William Oduol has been summoned by the County Assembly. [Isiah Gwengi, Standard]

Siaya Deputy Governor William Oduol has been summoned by the County Assembly over his utterances against Governor James Orengo.

This comes as the fallout between the two leaders deepens barely six months since they walked into office.

In a notice of motion seen by The Saturday Standard, the assembly resolved that Oduol be invited to appear before the Committee on General Oversight to shed light on his utterances against Orengo and his administration within 14 days.

"Concerned that in the recent past, the deputy governor made comments in the Siaya Political Forum social media to the effect that the administration in which he is the Deputy Chief Executive would be a worse administration than past administration of the former Governor," read the notice in part.

In the past few weeks, Oduol has launched scathing attacks on Orengo's administration and claimed that he has been sidelined in the running of the devolved unit's affairs.

The deputy governor had claimed that the his boss is a hands-off administrator who has given questionable characters an opportunity to steal county resources unabated.

The notice dated March 23 and signed by Committee Chair Francis Otiato, further accused the deputy Governor of insinuating openly during a past funeral ceremony that there are discriminatory budget re-allocations to disadvantage residents of Alego-Usonga.

While addressing mourners in Central Alego ward last weekend, Oduol claimed that some officers are targeted for removal from the county service because they come from Alego-Usonga.

Further, the deputy governor also claimed that there were plans to impeach the County Executive for Water Caroline Onyango, who hails from Alego-Usonga.

He alleged hat funds for finishing Siaya Stadium have been re-allocated to build Migwena Sports Centre in Bondo sub-county.

"Deeply concerned that the uncensored allegations by the deputy governor signifies his lack of confidence and mistrust in the county leadership, and if not explored would give negative connotations about the role of the assembly in checking the executive, besides implanting hopelessness in the people of Siaya who may misconstrue a moribund county government," read the notice.

During the appearance, the deputy governor has been asked to table documentary evidence or otherwise to prove his allegations.

Governor Orengo broke his silence on the matter, saying people should play their roles as stipulated in the Constitution.

Speaking at a funeral in Ukwala ward, the county chief said he will not be deterred by unwarranted critics.