The County Assembly of Siaya has rejected two out of eight County Executive Committee (CEC) nominees presented by Governor James Orengo.
Orengo had on March 31, 2026 submitted a list of eight nominees for vetting and approval.
Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) rejected the two nominees on grounds that they failed to demonstrate adequate knowledge of administrative, technical and sector-specific issues within their respective departments.
“On April 24, 27 and 28, the nominees were subjected to thorough vetting in accordance with the law, and six of the CECM nominees were found fit to hold office,” read part of the Assembly report.
On April 29, 2026, the reports were tabled before the House. Joseph Rading Otieno (Governance), Christine Jenipher Akinyi (Trade), Willis Okoth (Agriculture), Eric Abungu Odawa (Public Works and Roads), Ochogo Nicholas Kut (Tourism) and Augustine Neto Adhola (Lands) were approved.
However, the House rejected George Odhiambo Nyingiro for Finance and Economic Planning, and Grace Agola for Education.
According to the selection panel, Nyingiro was ranked fourth with a score of 76 per cent, raising concerns over his suitability for the finance docket.
His vetting focused on his 18-month tenure in an acting capacity at the Finance department, which had previously attracted a censure motion.
He was accused of hoarding contractors’ files and selectively authorising payments. He also admitted that statutory deductions were not remitted, saying the funds were used to pay staff without PF numbers.
North Sakwa MCA Oliver Arika questioned his performance claims, noting a contradiction between his interview ranking and his assertions.
In his defence, Nyingiro said absorption rates improved under his leadership, with payments rising from KSh 2.1 billion to KSh 2.4 billion in the 2024/2025 financial year.
He also said leakages in the department had reduced and that EACC-related cases had declined.
When asked why he did not challenge the earlier censure motion, he said he was content with it.
In November 2025, he had faced a 10-point censure motion over alleged failures in remitting statutory deductions, delaying the Finance Bill, and slowing revenue automation.
Grace Agola faced similar rejection.
Meanwhile, the Assembly approved Edwin Otieno Josiah, Rose Achieng, Lawrence Odero and Oscar Onyango to the County Public Service Board, while Dorothy Owino withdrew from vetting.
Emma Velma Maumo was approved as County Attorney.
The House also approved Maurine Awuor Onyango (ICT and Public Service Transformation), Walter Okelo Ochieng (Governance and Administration), Joseph Oloo Mboha (Lands), Wilfred Ouma Nyagudi (Tourism), and Jared Abayo (Water and Environment).
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