Siaya Governor James Orengo on Friday made a surprise public appearance at the funeral of veteran politician and women’s rights trailblazer Phoebe Asiyo, 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.
“I am alive... I am not going anywhere,” he declared, drawing cheers from mourners.
His appearance came days after reports emerged indicating that the governor had travelled abroad for medical attention. Reliable sources had earlier confirmed that Orengo returned to the country earlier in the week, with flight records showing he left Kenya on June 23 and arrived back on Tuesday evening.
His last known public engagement had been the same day he departed, when he appeared before a Senate committee.
Friday’s funeral service brought together a host of dignitaries, including President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who joined hundreds in honouring Asiyo’s life and legacy. She passed away at the age of 89.
Asiyo was celebrated as a pioneering figure in Kenya’s political history and a fierce advocate for women’s rights, democracy, and social justice.
During the service, Governor Orengo also took the opportunity to call for greater national recognition of Kenya’s past heroes, particularly those involved in the country’s liberation and development.
“There is a trend in this nation that we must correct. I can tell you without fear or contradiction—the person who brought UNEP to Kenya is Odera Joy. So I ask the leadership that is here, let us try to remember our leaders,” he urged.
His remarks reignited conversation on how Kenya memorialises its key historical figures, especially those whose contributions remain underappreciated in public discourse.
