The County Government of Kisumu is in mourning following the death of Hon. Salmon Orimba, the County Executive Committee Member for Public Service, County Administration and Participatory Development.
Governor Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o announced the death in a sombre statement, describing Orimba as a steadfast public servant and a close confidant whose loss leaves a deep void in the county’s leadership.
“With gross pain and remorse, I share the painful news of the passing of Hon. Salmon Orimba,” the Governor said. “Tonight, 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.”
Orimba served in multiple strategic dockets during his tenure in the county administration, including Water, Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change; Infrastructure, Energy and Public Works; and most recently Public Service and County Administration. Across the assignments, he was widely regarded as a disciplined and steady hand in government.
“From the very first day I invited Salmon to join my team during my first term as Governor, I recognized 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.”
The Governor credited Orimba with strengthening institutional frameworks and advancing service delivery, noting that he approached each role “with seriousness of purpose and an unwavering commitment to the people we serve.”
In internal deliberations and high-level planning meetings, Orimba’s counsel was measured and pragmatic, the Governor added.
“In our many conversations, in meetings, during long days of planning, and in moments of difficult decision-making, Salmon’s counsel was always calm, thoughtful and sincere. He believed deeply in building strong institutions and in ensuring that government works for ordinary citizens.”
Prof. Nyong’o described the death as “a painful blow” to the County Executive and “a great loss to the people of Kisumu County and to the community of Kajulu, whom he served with dignity and devotion.”
The Governor said he had spoken with the family and, together with his spouse, Mrs. Dorothy Nyong’o, extended condolences on behalf of the county leadership.
“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.”
“May the Almighty grant him eternal rest and give all of us the strength to bear this immense loss. Farewell, my colleague. Farewell, my friend.”
