Siaya County Governor James Orengo has appointed retired Colonel Cyrus Oguna as his Chief of Staff.

Oguna has been serving as the National Government Spokesperson since May 2019.

It is unclear whether he has relinquished his role as the Government’s Spokesperson to take up the new appointment.

“Pursuant to article 179 (2) (b) I have nominated the following persons to serve as members of the County Executive Committee subject to vetting and confirmation by the County Assembly of Siaya. Attached are also persons I have nominated to serve in the Office of the Governor,” Orengo wrote on his Twitter handle.

Colonel Oguna took over from Eric Kiraithe who had been serving in the position since August 2018.

Oguna’s previous roles

Before being appointed to the position, Oguna served as a Joint National and Resources Mapping Project spokesman.

“Before this, he served as Defence Advisor/ Attaché at Kenya’s High Commission in the United Republic of Tanzania between 2014 and 2017.

“He is well known for his role as the in-charge of Kenya Defence Force (KDF) Public Affairs office and Spokesman for KDF at the onset of Operation Linda Nchi, a position he held between 2011-2013.

“During his time as Spokesperson for KDF, Colonel (Rtd) Oguna can be remembered for constantly keeping the country informed on the operations of our gallant officers in capturing Kismayo. Prior to this, colonel (Rtd) Oguna headed KDF Intelligence Training School,” ICT Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru said in a press release in 2019.

He holds a Master of Arts degree from the University of Nairobi and Master’s degree in International Studies from the same institution.

He is also a graduate of the prestigious National Defence College. 

Orengo named him alongside 10 County Executive Committee Members, Director of Governor’s Press and Advisors in different sectors.