Siaya Governor James Orengo has accused local leaders in Homa Bay of orchestrating plans to disrupt the scheduled ‘Linda Mwananchi’ rally this Sunday, cautioning that mobilizing residents along political divides risks inciting regional conflict.
Speaking to reporters in Kisumu on Wednesday, Orengo stated that organizers received reports of covert meetings aimed at intimidating business owners and residents to discourage attendance.
Despite the alleged threats and economic intimidation, Orengo firmly maintained that the rally will proceed as planned, invoking constitutional guarantees regarding freedom of assembly, speech, and association.
He called upon law enforcement agencies to maintain order and protect attendees, while warning that supporters are prepared to defend themselves if security officers fail to enforce the law.
“We are coming in peace, and we are asking the police to do their work,” Orengo said. “If the police and relevant authorities cannot execute their legal and constitutional mandate to protect attendees, we are well-prepared to ensure everyone who comes remains safe.”
The Siaya Governor further alleged that several Linda Mwananchi supporters had previously been arbitrarily detained before being released following high-level intervention, adding that movement members’ property was actively being targeted for destruction.
Orengo strongly cautioned against turning Homa Bay into a political monolith, warning that mobilizing citizens purely on partisan grounds mirrors the early stages of severe global conflicts.
“It is God’s plan that we go to Homa Bay, and nobody is going to stand in our way,” Orengo affirmed, dismissing claims that supporters could be intimidated into staying home.
These escalating tensions come as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 General Election. Launched roughly four months ago, the Linda Mwananchi movement is currently transitioning into a fully-fledged political party with plans to field candidates across all elective seats nationwide.
Orengo emphasized that the movement’s primary focus is shifting from merely criticizing President William Ruto’s administration to offering concrete policy solutions for Kenya’s social and economic challenges.
Reaffirming his role as a key voice within the Luo community and the broader opposition, Orengo urged supporters to gather peacefully and called on local leaders and security agencies to prevent any confrontation.
