The Kisumu County Government is in mourning following the death of Salmon Orimba, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Public Service, County Administration and Participatory Development who passed away on Sunday evening.
Governor Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o announced the demise in a sombre statement, describing Orimba as a steadfast public servant, trusted colleague and close confidant whose passing has left a profound void in the county’s leadership.
“With gross pain and remorse, I share the painful news of the passing of Hon. Salmon Orimba. Tonight, I mourn not only a senior member of my County Executive Committee, but also a dependable partner in service and a dear friend,” said the Governor.
Orimba was among the longest-serving members of the county executive, having held several strategic dockets since 2017 when Nyong’o assumed office. Over nearly a decade, he played a central role in shaping policy direction and strengthening institutional frameworks within the devolved unit.
He first served as the CECM for Water and Environment during the formative years of the administration. In that capacity, he is credited with laying the institutional groundwork for water governance and environmental management systems that continue to guide service delivery in the county. His leadership helped establish policy frameworks and foster partnerships that enhanced efficiency and coordination across departments.
Throughout his tenure, Orimba also headed the departments of Natural Resources and Climate Change, Infrastructure, Energy and Public Works, before being appointed to oversee Public Service, County Administration and Participatory Development. In his final role, he was responsible for supervising the county public service, coordinating administrative functions and advancing participatory development structures at the grassroots level — a portfolio central to the effective functioning of devolved government.
Colleagues described him as a disciplined administrator who preferred quiet efficiency over public spectacle. Governor Nyong’o praised his humility, composure and clarity of purpose, noting that Orimba consistently focused on improving services for residents.
The Governor said he had personally spoken with Orimba’s family and, together with his spouse Dorothy Nyong’o, conveyed condolences on behalf of the county leadership and the people of Kisumu.
“Thank you for sharing him with us in public service. His legacy lives on in the systems he strengthened, the projects he guided and the many lives he touched. May the Almighty grant him eternal rest and give all of us the strength to bear this immense loss,” he added.
In a separate condolence message, Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili described Orimba as steady, focused and unwavering in the execution of his mandate. He said the late CECM would be remembered for his selfless leadership, humility and integrity.
“Soft-spoken yet firm, he served the great people of Kisumu with quiet resolve,” said Dr Owili, adding that Orimba generously shared his intellect and experience to build interdepartmental collaboration.
Dr Philip Pande, a one-time personal assistant to Orimba in the water and environment docket, termed him a transformative leader who played a pivotal role in key environmental reforms, including the relocation of the Kachok dumpsite and restructuring of water and sanitation services.
by Chris Mahandara
