Siaya County Governor James Orengo has firmly rejected an advisory opinion issued by the Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ), also known as the Ombudsman, which called for the revocation of five key administrative appointments within his county executive.
The standoff marks a deepening rift between the County Executive, the Constitutional Commission, and the Siaya County Assembly.
The CAJ concluded an investigation recommending the immediate termination of five appointments and acting roles.
The CAJ reported that several executive appointments—including acting positions—were extended indefinitely without mandatory County Assembly approval or proper statutory recruitment steps.
The Commission highlighted concerns regarding the Siaya County Public Service Board, noting that the board currently operates with one female and five male members, violating the two-thirds gender principle set under Article 27(8) of the Constitution.
The watchdog agency stated that continuing to maintain these roles in defiance of County Assembly resolutions constitutes maladministration and an abuse of public power.
Governor Orengo issued a statement refuting the findings and threatening legal countermeasures.
“It is deeply troubling that a constitutional commission established to safeguard administrative justice would publicly issue adverse findings against a public institution before according that institution the basic right to be heard.”
The Governor stated the County Executive was never formally served with the findings nor given a fair hearing or right of reply prior to public distribution.
He alleged the CAJ relied heavily on claims submitted by the Siaya County Assembly without conducting an impartial audit with the County Executive.
The county government has formally demanded full documentation, original complaint records, and supporting evidence relied upon by the Ombudsman before taking further legal action.
While the Ombudsman’s advisory opinion urges immediate revocation of the affected contracts and appointments, Governor Orengo maintains that administrative decisions made by the executive do not constitute unlawful conduct. The dispute remains active as the county administration considers formal court proceedings.
