A letter purportedly from Siaya Governor James Orengo announcing his resignation due to health reasons has gone viral, sending shockwaves across Kenyan political circles. However, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has swiftly dismissed the document as fake, insisting that Orengo remains firmly in office.
The Viral Resignation Letter: What It Claimed
The letter, dated August 4, 2025, bore the official letterhead of the Siaya County Government and was addressed to multiple officials, including the Deputy Governor, the County Assembly Clerk, and ODM leader Raila Odinga. In it, the supposed “Governor” (a misspelling that raised eyebrows) cited “personal health challenges” as the reason for stepping down.
Key excerpts from the letter stated:
“This decision has been necessitated by personal health challenges that require my full and immediate attention… I am unable to continue to discharge the demanding duties and responsibilities of the Governor’s office to the best of my ability.”
The letter also expressed gratitude to Siaya residents and promised a smooth transition, further fueling speculation about Orengo’s political future.
ODM’s Swift Denial: “Fake News!”
Shortly after the letter surfaced online, ODM officials dismissed it as a forgery. Party spokesperson Philip Etale took to social media, stating:
“The letter circulating online claiming Governor Orengo has resigned is FAKE. He remains the Governor of Siaya County. Ignore propagandists.”
Political analysts noted that the letter contained several red flags, including grammatical errors (such as “Governor” misspelled as “Governor”) and inconsistencies in official reference numbers. Additionally, Governor Orengo himself has not publicly addressed the matter, further casting doubt on the letter’s authenticity.
Political Reactions: Who Benefits from the Fake Letter?
The timing of the fake resignation has raised suspicions, coming just months after a heated political dispute between Orengo and Deputy Governor William Oduol. Some speculate that the letter could be part of a smear campaign to destabilize the county government.
Political commentator on X weighed in:
“Fake resignation letters are a common tactic in Kenyan politics. This could be an attempt to test public reaction or create confusion ahead of future elections.”
ODM supporters have accused rival factions of circulating the document to undermine Orengo’s leadership, while some netizens have questioned whether it was an AI-generated deepfake.
Governor Orengo’s Health: What We Know
While the resignation letter cited health issues, there has been no official confirmation from Orengo’s office regarding any medical concerns. The 72-year-old governor has maintained an active public schedule in recent weeks, including attending county functions and national meetings.
A source close to the governor told us:
“Governor Orengo is in good health and focused on delivering his mandate. This letter is clearly the work of political detractors.”
Legal Implications: Forgery and Cybercrime
Kenyan law prescribes severe penalties for forgery of official documents. If investigations trace the origin of the fake letter, perpetrators could face charges under the Penal Code and the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act.
Siaya County Assembly Clerk Joseph Odhiambo confirmed that the Assembly had not received any official communication from the Governor regarding resignation, further discrediting the letter.
Public Reaction: Mixed Responses Online
Kenyans on social media were divided, with some expressing concern for Orengo’s well-being, while others mocked the poorly crafted forgery.
“If you’re going to fake a resignation, at least spell ‘Governor’ correctly!” – @MkenyaDaima (X user)
“This is how fake news spreads. Always verify before sharing!” – @TruthSquadKE
Conclusion: A Test for Kenya’s Political Integrity
This incident highlights the growing challenge of misinformation in Kenya’s digital space. As political tensions rise ahead of future elections, citizens must remain vigilant against fabricated documents designed to manipulate public opinion.
For now, Governor James Orengo remains at the helm of Siaya County—despite the best efforts of anonymous propagandists.
