Veteran Siaya Politician-cum-businessman John Orwenjo Umidha is Dead

John Orwenjo Umidha alias “Maama”. Photo | County 041

Although the news of his death was disclosed this morning through a vernacular radio station Orwenjo is believed to have died in hospital late last night.

At the time of his death John Orwenjo Umidha was the Chairman of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party, Siaya branch; a position he held continuously for ten years.

Together with Ochieng Alfrose, Andrea Ngon’ga and Seth Ja-Kobare, John Orwenjo Umidha is among the crop of pioneer businessmen who arrived from Uganda during the Idi Amin expulsion of Asians in 1972 and constructed modern-day Siaya with shops around Ahindi Gardens.

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Orwenjo would later venture into politics becoming a Councillor and Mayor of Siaya County Council before being elected Chairman of ODM Party.

In June tragedy struck the Orwenjo family when his lawyer son Evans Umidha Orwenjo passed on. The death had a big impact on the health of the elderly Orwenjo and ultimately led to his demise.

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The late Nairobi lawyer Evans Orwenjo Umidha. His death has a big impact on his father. Photo | NMG

John Orwenjo Umidha also known as “Maama” as he jocularly referred to both men and women, has left behind two widows, several children and grandchildren.

He will be remembered for his meteoric rise to become the second Mayor of Siaya with practically no academic background.

Burial arrangements will be announced in due course.