Veteran Journalist Benjamin ‘Ben’ Agina who unceremoniously resigned as the director of communication for Siaya Governor James Orengo is supposedly to pursue a lucrative position in Raila Odinga’s AU Commission Chairmanship.
As per initial reports, Agina mentioned frustrations, lack of harmony, and coordination issues in the governor’s office, which he claimed to be under the control of a group of “streetwise” cartels.
The cartels carry out their operations without any regard for professionalism, a situation that did not sit well with Agina, who sees himself as a journalist with refined skills.
Before the 2022 presidential elections, Agina served as Raila’s advisor on international affairs and diaspora engagement.
Inside sources claim that following Raila’s loss in the 2022 presidential election, he worked out a deal for Agina to take on the role of head of Governor Orengo’s communication team, providing him with a gentle landing.
But power brokers around Orengo immediately embarked on a sustained scheme that was aimed at ensuring he was fired due to his perceived ‘lack of corporation‘ in looting.
As part of their efforts, the cartels actively lobbied for the selection of a candidate whom they perceive as being aligned with their agenda – Victor Marende, who recently took over as the director of the governor’s press unit, succeeding Agina.
Former government spokesman Cyrus Oguna who is the chief of staff is also said to be suffering at the hands of the vicious power brokers.
Typically, the caetels manipulate decisions that the kitchen cabinet later disavows, leaving the chief of staff feeling bitter and frustrated.
Ahead of Agina’s resignation, the cartels had successfully advanced a narrative that Homa Bay governor Gladys Wanga was outperforming Orengo because of sheer publicity and not substance.
This reportedly irked Orengo and made him to be very bitter with Agina.
“I have indeed resigned,” Agina told a local journalist without divulging more details.
Orengo appointed him in October last year alongside Oguna among other nominees in a letter to the public service board.
Agina holds an MA in International Journalism from the University of Leeds.
According to his LinkedIn profile, he possesses expertise in government relations, regional partnerships, PR & communications strategy.
With a wealth of more than 30 years of experience, he has demonstrated expertise in strategic leadership, global partnerships, government relations, diplomatic corporations, strategic communications, crisis management, and community engagement.
He previously worked as a political advisor at the British High Commission between July 2013 and April 2017.
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