By Samson Wire & Judith Achieng
In accordance with Section 38 of the County Governments Act, 2012, and Article 179 of the Constitution of Kenya, the County Government of Siaya, led by Governor James Orengo, presided over the swearing-in ceremony of County Executives Committee Members ( CECMs) and Members of the Siaya County Public Service Board.
Emma Velma Maumo taking oath as the County Attorney.
The ceremony held at the County Headquarters in Siaya town was administered by Principal Magistrate Hon. Lily Nafula, assisted by County Solicitor Leonard Okanda.
The CECMs sworn into office were: Joseph Rading Otieno (Governance, Administration and ICT ), Hon. Willis Okoth Ochieng (Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Blue Economy ), Christine Jeniffer Akinyi ( Trade, Enterprise, Cooperatives and Industrialization ), Ochogo Nicholas Kut (Tourism, Culture, Sports and Arts ), Adhola Augustine Neto ( Lands, Physical Planning, Housing and Urban Development), Hon. Erick Z. Abungu Odawa (Public Works, Roads, Energy and Transport).
Other officials who took oath of office included Members of the Siaya County Public Service Board: Amb. Frost Edwin Otieno, Nosiah Rose Achieng, Lawrence M. Odero, and Oscar Ochieng. Emma Velma Maumo was also sworn in as County Attorney.
While presiding over the event, Governor Orengo reaffirmed his commitment to transforming the county government and delivering tangible development gains in line with the Constitution for the benefit of the people of Siaya and beyond. “We have achieved a lot for our people, and with renewed impetus and energy from these new teams, we shall do even more,” said Gov. Orengo, exuding confidence amid the prevailing political discourse in the country.
Orengo also urged the new officers to serve with honesty, discipline, and a clear focus on improving lives through accountable service delivery.
Governor James Orengo while giving his address.
He praised the County Assembly of Siaya for effectively carrying out its oversight role. The County Boss urged the newly appointed officers to work closely with MCAs in executing their mandates.
He emphasized that disagreements between the Executive and the Assembly are normal in a democracy and help strengthen accountability and governance. Drawing from his political experience, Orengo said leadership should embrace dialogue, tolerance, and democratic values rather than intimidation and authoritarianism.
The Governor also reminded leaders of Siaya’s rich political legacy, noting that the county has produced national figures such as Raila Odinga, Achieng Oneko, Arwings Kodhek, and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, among others.
Governor Orengo also congratulated the new Chief Officers whose swearing-in will be held at a later date.
They include Nyagudi Wilfred (Tourism, Culture, Sports and Arts), Hon. Okelo Walter Ochieng (Governance and Administration), Onyango Maurine Awuor (ICT and Public Service Transformation), Hon. Mboha Joseph Oloo (Lands, Physical Planning, Housing and Urban Development), and Hon. Okelo Jared Abayo ( Water, Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources)
The Speaker of the County Assembly of Siaya, Rt. Hon. George Okode, urged the new officers to uphold integrity and serve the people diligently.
“Be faithful in your duties, work for the people and your boss, because you do not know tomorrow,” said Hon. Okode, expressing confidence in the newly appointed officers.
Hon. Okode said the public ceremony was intentional, aimed at promoting transparency and citizen participation. He encouraged the appointees to remain accessible and responsive to the general public.
The swearing-in followed a period of vetting and approval by the County Assembly as required by law. It is part of Governor Orengo’s broader plan to reshape his administration and fast-track development initiatives across the county.
Others present included County Public Service Board Chairman Eng. Collins Juma, Managing Director of the Siaya Bondo Water and Sanitation Company ( SIBOWASCO) CPA Isaiah Adipo, Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) led by the host Hon. James Obiero Otare, the clergy, the business community, county executive staff, and county assembly officials, among other guests.
Additional reporting by:
Joshua Onyango
Boaz Otieno
Caroline Auma