ODM dismisses viral letter claiming Orengo’s resignation as fake

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has flagged a letter claiming the resignation of Siaya Governor James Orengo.

The letter that has since gone viral is alleged to have come from the Siaya Governor and is addressed to the Speaker of the Siaya County Assembly and copied to the Deputy Governor, the Council of Governors and ODM leader Raila Odinga.

“We can authoritatively state the letter below us is FAKE. Ignore it and FOCUS,” the Orange party said on X.

The fake letter cites personal health challenges as the reason for the alleged resignation, which it alleges was done in consultation with his family.

“It is with a heavy heart and after profound reflection that I hereby tender my resignation from the office of the Governor of Siaya County, effective immediately," the fake letter reads in part.

“This decision has been necessitated by personal health challenges that require my full and immediate attention. After extensive consultation with my family and medical professionals, it has become clear that I am unable to continue to discharge the demanding duties and responsibilities of the Governor's office to the best of my ability,” the fake letter reads.

Star Fact-Checker has also established that the letter did not originate from Governor James Orengo’s official channels of communication.

Orengo has kept off the limelight for some weeks, and there have been mounting calls from a section of his constituents.