The week-long Siaya Tango Surgical Camp 2025 ended yesterday with doctors from Taber, a Municipality District in Canada in collaboration with the County Government of Siaya (CGS) successfully conducting forty-five (45) surgeries encompassing males, females, and pediatric cases.
By Monday morning, the medical team had already handled eight cases. These included breast masses, fused fingers, and hernias, with hernia cases being the most numerous. Dr. Martin K'Onyango, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health and Sanitation, who has been overseeing the entire operation, confirmed that the process had ran smoothly. “All the patients who were scheduled to undergo operations had successful procedures,” he said.
The operations were categorized into two: general surgery and obstetrics, and gynecology cases. The primary objective of the camp was to assist patients in restoring their health while aligning with the Nyalore Administration's agenda on healthcare improvement.
On Tuesday morning, the camp received Dr. Barrack Omondi, a seasoned general surgeon, and Dr. Christopher Odok, a renowned orthopedic surgeon, both whom generously volunteered their expertise to address the critical surgical needs of the local community.
Dr. Barrack Omondi has over 15 years of experience in general surgery and has worked extensively in both public and private sectors, focusing on abdominal surgery, trauma care, and cancer surgeries.
On the other hand, Dr. Christopher Odok known for his work in joint replacement, trauma surgery, and sports injuries brought more than a decade of specialized orthopedic experience to the camp.
The duo has blended into surgical teams, improving the operations at Siaya County Referral Hospital. The surgical team from Siaya consisted of Dr. George Nyatiti, Dr. Caleb Otieno, Dr. Wamara, Dr. Erick Ahono, Dr. Michael Oduor, and Dr. Patrick Omondi.
On Wednesday, the doctors began their day by embarked on a unique cultural tour to the Jaramogi Mausoleum in Kang'o Village, Bondo Sub County. The purpose of this visit was to familiarize themselves with the Luo cultural sites and traditional practices that were significant during the early years of Kenyan independence.
During the visit, the delegation experienced the rich cultural ambiance and gained insights into how historical figures like Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, his son, the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, and Governor James Orengo, fought valiantly for Kenya's democracy and the establishment of a multi-party system. This tour also provided the doctors with an understanding of the community's leadership hierarchy.
The tour extended to Siala Kaduol ECDE in South Gem Ward where the doctors joined Governor James Orengo and First Lady Mrs. Betty Orengo to assess how the ongoing school feeding program is enhancing the standards of early childhood education within the county.
Gov. Orengo urged for consultation between National Government and county governments on the provision of Universal Healthcare that is reasonable quality and accessible to all Kenyans.
Dr. Ryan Torrie who led the Canadian delegation expressed pleasure working with physicians, nurses, and staffs from County Government of Siaya. He embraced the fact it has been a learning experience working with CGS staffs in ensuring patients are properly handled and well taken care of before, during and after the surgical procedures.
He further thanked Governor James Orengo together with his County Executive Committee Members and staffs for making the surgical camp a reality.
The tour also extended to Wich Lum Beach in South Sakwa Ward where the doctors had the opportunity to explore the beauty of Lake Victoria and the surrounding beaches.
The climax of the eventful week was on Wednesday night when Gov. Orengo and Mrs. Orengo hosted a banquet in honour of the doctors at their private home in Nyawara East Ugenya Ward. In a spectacular evening marked by pomp and colour, the delegation was treated to among other things Luo traditional music dubbed Nyatiti.
The dinner was graced by CECMs Dr Martin K’Onyango ( Health and Sanitation), Mr. Maurice MC'Orege ( Lands, Physical Planning, Housing and Urban Development) Dr. Edgar Otumba ( Education, Gender, Youth Affairs and Social Services), several Chief Officers including Governance, Administration and ICT Hon. Walter Okelo, Speaker of the County Assembly of Siaya Hon. George Okode, County Public Service Board Chairman Eng. Collins Juma and Board’s CEO Mr. Wilfred Nyagudi, Director of Public Communications Mr. Chrispine Omondi among others.