Busia Governor Paul Otuoma has offered to mediate in the ongoing feud between Siaya Governor James Orengo and his Deputy William Oduol.
Speaking during a food distribution exercise for flood victims in Alego Usonga on Tuesday, Governor Otuoma stated that he will engage the two leaders in reconciliatory talks to streamline the county executive and focus on service delivery.
The flood was caused by the collapse of the walls of Lake Kanyaboli about two weeks ago, and the water overflowed into farms and people’s homes in the Alego-Usonga and Budalang’i constituencies.
“These people are my friends and everyone has their roles set out but you cannot be the deputy governor and want to be the governor. These stunts we are seeing people insulting each other in public is not a good sight to see,” he said during the function graced by Raila Odinga.
Governor Otuoma also issued a warning to Oduol, urging him to focus on his duties as deputy governor in order to avoid a schism in the county’s leadership.
Governor Orengo and his deputy have been at odds for several reasons, including allegations of corruption and sidelining, and the impasse has resulted in a petition signed by three activists.
Meanwhile, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has advised Oduol to resign so that Orengo can appoint a new deputy.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, ODM Secretary for Political Affairs Opiyo Wandayi stated that this is due to discord between the two leaders in recent weeks, which culminated in the violent disruption of a recent funeral they attended.
“It is my advice, both in my official capacity pursuant to Article 43 (1) (b) of the ODM constitution and a bona fide voter in Siaya, that Hon Oduol should tender his resignation without any further delay. This would then create room for Hon Orengo to appoint a replacement,” Wandayi stated.
