Youth leader Nick Ongoro has challenged the Siaya County Assembly to reclaim its independence and intensify its oversight role following a major cabinet reshuffle by Governor James Orengo.

​Speaking to journalists at his office on Friday, Ongoro warned that a perceived “closeness” between the executive and the legislature over the past few years has undermined the constitutional checks and balances intended to protect public resources.

​Ongoro’s remarks come just a day after the County Assembly published the names of eight nominees for County Executive Committee (CEC) positions, with vetting scheduled for April 27, 2026.

​”For a number of years now, the executive and the County Assembly have been as one. That is killing the oversight role as mandated by the constitution,” Ongoro stated. “With only one financial year left to the election, the Assembly must step forward and be independent.”

​He urged the Assembly’s Appointment Committee to conduct a vetting process that is “thorough, objective, and grounded in integrity,” ensuring that only those with proven competency are cleared for office.
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​Despite his firm stance on oversight, the youth leader praised Governor Orengo’s decision to reorganize the executive wing, describing it as a “bold and necessary step” to enhance service delivery.

​Ongoro specifically highlighted the inclusion of “energetic and vibrant” individuals in the new lineup, noting that fresh energy is essential for the county’s development.

​He also extended personal congratulations to Hon. Walter Okelo following his confirmation as the Chief Officer for Governance.

“I trust that he will serve with integrity, diligence, and a strong commitment to the people of Siaya,” Ongoro said.
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​The upcoming vetting process will see eight nominees face the Assembly’s Appointment Committee to lead various dockets: Joseph Rading for Governance and Administration, Christine Oyuu for Trade, Cooperatives, and Industrialization, Willis Okoth for Agriculture, Irrigation, Food, Livestock, and Fisheries, Eng. Erick Odawa for Public Works, Roads, Energy, and Transport, Kut Ochogo for Tourism, Culture, Sports, and Arts, Neto Adhola for Lands, Physical Planning, Housing, and Urban Development, Grace Agola for Education, Youth Affairs, Gender, and Social Services and George Nyingiro for Finance and Economic Planning

Ongoro concluded by reminding the nominated officials and the Assembly that the interests of the people must remain the priority.

​”Oversight is not optional; it is a constitutional duty,” he said. “This is how we build a county government that truly serves its people.”