Political Showdown: CS Owalo and Governor Orengo Clash Steals Spotlight at Bondo Funeral
A power struggle unfolded between Siaya Governor James Orengo and ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo at the funeral of researcher Ceaser Awuor Handa in Bondo constituency last Saturday.
The dispute over seniority between Orengo and Owalo became the focal point during the burial ceremony at Bar-Chando Primary School grounds, where MPs supporting and opposing the government clashed over protocol.
The controversy started when Bondo MP Gideon Ochanda instructed Otiende Amollo, the master of the ceremony at the event, to make sure that Siaya Governor James Orengo was allowed to speak before ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo.
“In the interest of peace, we want to allow the protocol to be as it should, MPs, Senator, PS, Governor, Cabinet Secretary,” Ochanda stated.
Nevertheless, Alego/Usonga MP Samuel Atandi expressed disagreement, asserting that it is inappropriate for CS Owalo to speak after Governor Orengo, given that Orengo holds an elected leadership position while Owalo does not.
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Atandi asserted that Ochanda was mistaken, pointing out that according to the hierarchy, it is expected for the governor to speak last since he is the elected official.
When the moment came for Governor Orengo and CS Owalo to speak to the mourners, Amollo decided that the Cabinet Secretary would address the audience first, followed by Governor Orengo.
He mentioned that his decision was influenced by the existence of two government levels in the country, emphasizing that the highest-ranking official at the county level is the governor.
When he stood up to address the audience, Eliud Owalo, the Cabinet Secretary for ICT, emphasized the importance of harmonious coexistence and cooperation among the leaders in the Nyanza region. He highlighted the unnecessary division caused by petty politics and urged them to unite instead.
Political Showdown: CS Owalo and Governor Orengo Clash Steals Spotlight at Bondo Funeral