Kisumu County Governor Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o is mourning the death of County Executive Committee Member Salmon Orimba, describing him as a trusted colleague and a dedicated public servant whose work helped strengthen county institutions.
Governor Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o said in a statement released on Sunday that Orimba’s death was both a personal loss and a significant blow to the county administration.
“I mourn not only a senior member of my County Executive Committee, but a trusted colleague, a dependable partner in service, and a dear friend,” he said.
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Hon. Orimba served as the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Public Service, County Administration and Participatory Development. Over the years, he also headed key departments within the Kisumu County government, including Water, Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, as well as Infrastructure, Energy and Public Works.
“From the very first day I invited Salmon to join my team during my first term as Governor, I recognised in him a rare blend of humility, discipline and quiet strength,” Prof Nyong’o said.
“He carried responsibility with grace. He never sought the spotlight, yet his work consistently spoke for itself,” he added.
Kisumu County, one of Kenya’s devolved units in the Lake Victoria region, has been under Prof Nyong’o’s leadership since 2017, with Orimba serving across multiple terms in the county executive.
According to the Governor, Orimba was a steady and thoughtful adviser during challenging moments in government.
“In our many conversations and during long days of planning and difficult decision-making, Salmon’s counsel was always calm, thoughtful and sincere,” he said.
“He believed deeply in building strong institutions and in ensuring that government works for ordinary citizens.”
Prof Nyong’o said the loss was deeply felt within the County Executive and beyond.
“His passing is a painful blow to me personally and to the entire County Executive,” he said.
“It is also a great loss to the people of Kisumu County and to the community of Kajulu, whom he served with dignity and devotion.”
Extending condolences to the bereaved family, the Governor, together with his spouse Mrs Dorothy Nyong’o, thanked them for allowing Orimba to serve in public office.
“Thank you for sharing him with us in public service,” he said. “His legacy lives on in the systems he strengthened, the projects he guided, and the many lives he touched.”
The Governor concluded by offering prayers for the family, colleagues and residents of Kisumu County.
“May the Almighty grant him eternal rest and give all of us the strength to bear this immense loss,” he said.
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