A senior officer in the County Government of Siaya has been suspended after making alleged defamatory remarks against Siaya Governor James Orengo during a recent political rally.
According to a letter dated February 25, County Information Management Officer Richard Omondi Odhiambo, popularly known as Makamu, was suspended following comments he made at a rally on Saturday, February 21.
In his speech, which he made during the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) rally, Richard allegedly criticised Orengo, questioning his conduct and leadership style.
Speaking at the party’s Linda Mwananchi rally held in Kisumu County, the county officer accused the governor of undermining the party and damaging its political capacity in Ugenya.
He further claimed that he had repeatedly warned the governor that his actions were hurting the party’s support base in Ugenya, but according to Richard, the governor ignored his advice.
“I have told him time and again that he is destroying our votes in Ugenya, yet he does not listen,” Makamu told the crowd.
Richard further accused Orengo of failing to consult senior party officials and questioned his loyalty to ODM. “Orengo should be talking to Oburu to issue the way forward. He lied to us that he loved Raila, yet he is a traitor. Let us be realistic and tell the truth,” he added.
The remarks were widely circulated on social media, drawing mixed reactions from supporters and critics, while some defended him, others condemned the language he used.
In a suspension letter, the Siaya County government termed Richard’s remarks as unsavoury, derogatory, insulting and disrespectful toward Governor Orengo.
“This office is notified of an incident during a public political activity within Kisumu County at which you uttered unsavoury, derogatory, insulting and disrespectful remarks in reference to the person of James Orengo,” read part of the suspension notice.
The county stated that his actions constituted gross misconduct and insubordination, violating the Public Officer Ethics Act and the Public Service Human Resource Policies and Procedures Manual.
Following his remarks, the county suspended him from duty, effective immediately, pending further investigation and determination of the matter.
“Consequently, and in line with the provisions of Section 44 (4) (d) of the Employment Act, you are hereby suspended from duty with immediate effect, pending further processing and determination of your matter,” the notice added.
He was directed to hand over any county government property in his custody and to submit a written explanation within seven days showing cause why further disciplinary action, including possible dismissal, should not be taken against him-Kenyans.co.ke