Siaya Governor James Orengo on Monday, August 11, 2025, celebrated his cordial relationship with his Bungoma counterpart as the latter paid him a courtesy call at their home.

Taking to his X page afterwards, Orengo expressed his and his spouse’s gratitude to the Ford Kenya politician who took time out of his busy schedule to pay them a visit.

Visit us

“We are deeply honoured, my dear friend Governor @SpeakerKLusaka, that you made time out of your demanding schedule to visit us. Betty and I are profoundly grateful for your kindness, thoughtfulness, and the warmth you brought into our home,” he stated.

“Your steadfast friendship and unwavering support are treasures we value beyond measure,” he added.

Lusaka’s visit to Orengos came days after the veteran lawyer broke his lengthy absence from public life by making an appearance in Wikondiek, Homa Bay County, during the funeral ceremony of the late former Karachuonyo MP Phoebe Asiyo.

Orengo addressed rumours about his health and well-being after weeks away from his office.

He stated that he was in good spirits. in contrast to the speculations that had greeted his long absence, having last made a public appearance at State House while in the company of leaders from Siaya County on June 5, 2025.

“I am Orengo, Nyatieng (spider), and kidi (rock); I am alive and kicking. In fact, I have come back better than before,” Orengo said.

His missing in action status had prompted the Siaya County Assembly Speaker George Okode to issue a statement regarding the absence of Orengo on Monday, August 4, 2025, after a letter circulated on social media, purporting that he had resigned due to health challenges.

In a moving speech afterwards, Orengo challenged the nation to adopt a tendency of recognising and celebrating their heroes and heroines while they are still alive.

Orengo observed that several leaders in the country have been forgotten despite their immense contribution to the nation.

Rewarding heroes

“There is a trend in Kenya, where we are very shy about rewarding heroes. We only remember them when they die. But when we remember their role, particularly those who have fought for independence in this country, they have not been given their rightful place in the nation called Kenya,” Orengo stated.

Monument for Jaramogi

The governor indicated that Kenya lacks a monument to honour the late first vice president of the Republic of Kenya, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, despite his agitation for the release of the first president, Jomo Kenyatta, from detention.

“Jaramogi Oginga Odinga said there is no Uhuru without Kenyatta, but as we speak today, there is no monument in Nairobi named after him; and that is a trend in this nation that we must correct,” Orengo said.