Itumbi on Orengo: We disagree politically, but he is solid
Head of Creative Economy and Special Projects in the Executive Office of the President, Dennis Itumbi, has lauded Siaya Governor James Orengo as a dependable friend and admirable politician.
In a Facebook post on Friday, August 8, 2025, Itumbi expressed deep respect for the governor, noting that their political differences had never affected their friendship.
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“James Orengo is a good man. It was great seeing him on the mic today,” the statement read.
Itumbi was referring to Orengo’s speech during the burial of veteran politician and trailblazing Phoebe Asiyo in Homa Bay County on Friday, August 8, 2025.
He revealed that the Siaya County boss stood by him during past legal challenges, offering both intellectual and financial support, even when he could not do so publicly.
“Jim is one politician I admire, even when we hold different views. As a friend, he has been consistent,” Itumbi wrote.
“As a friend, he has been consistent. When he could not get on record in my legal battles, he offered intellectual and financial support. Wish you well, James Orengo.”
Itumbi’s remarks came after Orengo addressed the crowd during Asiyo’s burial.
Orengo made a surprise public appearance at the funeral, easing recent concerns surrounding his health and absence from public engagements.
Appearing composed and in high spirits at the service held in Homa Bay County, Orengo addressed the speculation directly.
His last known public engagement had been the same day he departed, when he appeared before a Senate committee.
Appearing composed and in high spirits at the service held in Homa Bay County, Orengo addressed the speculation.
“I am alive, I am not going anywhere,” he declared.
Orengo’s speech
The narrative reached fever pitch early this week when a forged resignation letter said to have been signed by Orengo surfaced online, prompting swift dismissal by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.
The governor’s absence sparked a petition from a concerned resident to the Siaya County Assembly claiming a leadership vacuum, with his sidelined deputy, William Oduol, also demanding an explanation over his whereabouts.
Orengo, in his speech, also painted a grim picture of the male-dominated Parliament Asiyo walked into, describing it as a toxic space full of “charlatans, chauvinists and misogynists” who resented the idea of women as equals.
Yet, he said, Asiyo stood her ground, often raising bold, uncomfortable questions that ruffled the feathers of patriarchy.
“Phoebe Asiyo was ahead of her time,” Orengo said, hailing the former legislator as a pioneer of women’s rights long before the independence era. “I’m one of the few people privileged to have served with her in Parliament.”
He further used the platform to cast a critical eye on Kenya’s reluctance to celebrate its freedom fighters and political trailblazers while they are still alive.
“There’s a trend in Kenya where we’re very shy at rewarding heroes; we remember them when they’re dead,” he said.
