Dennis Onsarigo Resigns from Chief of Staff Role in Nyamira County

Dennis Onsarigo, a journalist renowned for his focus on crime-related issues, has officially resigned from his position as Chief of Staff in the Nyamira County Government.

Onsarigo, appointed to the role in October 2022 by Governor Amos Nyaribo, cited challenges in effectively carrying out his duties as one of the reasons for his departure.

In a letter addressed to Governor Nyaribo, Onsarigo expressed his efforts to engage the governor in discussions on how their offices could collaborate to achieve the government’s agenda for the citizens. Regrettably, these efforts proved unsuccessful.

“As you know, I made several attempts to meet with you to discuss in depth how my office could collaborate with yours to fulfill your manifesto. Unfortunately, this did not materialize,” stated part of Onsarigo’s two-and-a-half-page letter, dated January 10, 2024, and officially stamped by the Governor’s Office on January 24, 2024.

Onsarigo revealed his dissatisfaction with the non-payment of allowances to Governor Nyaribo’s security personnel and drivers for several months, despite funds being allocated by the Controller of Budget (CoB).

Additionally, he highlighted the inadequate restroom facilities in the current governor’s office, expressing embarrassment when receiving visitors.

“The plan to renovate your office and install modern toilets to eliminate the embarrassment we experienced when many visitors came to us was also not feasible. The current toilets do not qualify to be called toilets as there is insufficient water, and other facilities used inside. The current restroom suits only men, and female visitors find it challenging to use,” Onsarigo added.

He further claimed that his office had encountered resistance from individuals he characterized as seeking to embezzle public funds.

Additionally, Onsarigo alleged that some youth seeking employment in the Nyamira government were pressured to give bribes to be considered for any job opportunities.

“Despite the dedication from my department, it has become apparent that we cannot endure beyond this point. Therefore, continuing in my role would not be beneficial for the development we aspire to achieve. I shared my concerns with you, but I do not want it to reach a point where I appear incapable of doing my job,” he remarked, thanking Governor Nyaribo for the time he served in the appointed position.

In February 2022, Onsarigo was appointed to oversee communications in the campaign of Orange Democratic Movement leader Raila Odinga, who contested the presidency that year.

Before joining Odinga’s team, Onsarigo, who had left a local television station in 2018, worked in Taita Taveta County as a communication officer.