Siaya Governor James Orengo has raised concerns over an alleged scheme to sabotage the upcoming Linda Mwananchi rally set for Sunday, August 16, in Homa Bay.
Speaking to the media on August 12 alongside Linda Mwananchi members, Orengo disclosed that a covert meeting took place on August 10 in Naivasha following a UDA-ODM parliamentary group gathering. According to the governor, weapons including rungus, arrows, and hangers were distributed to unidentified individuals during this meeting.
He further claimed that some of these weapons are being stored at a governor’s residence, a location he linked to similar activities during the previous general election campaigns. Additionally, Orengo alleged that another assembly involving a group he described as "goons" was held at Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma’s home on the same day.
Orengo promised to release video evidence supporting these claims and noted that audio recordings from the Governor's Park meeting are already circulating.
Other leaders, such as Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, have echoed Orengo’s allegations. The governor also accused some market women in Homa Bay Town of being pressured not to operate their stalls during the rally. Instead, they were reportedly encouraged to trade at Kabunde Airstrip under a suspicious registration process, which Orengo suggested was intended to prevent aircraft landings at the airstrip ahead of the event.
Despite these purported attempts to disrupt the rally, Orengo assured that supporters of Linda Mwananchi would convene as planned. He warned of further meetings aimed at undermining the rally and stated that his team is prepared to ensure the safety of attendees if police protection falls short.
In contrast, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has called for peace and political tolerance, emphasizing that every leader has the constitutional right to campaign without fear of violence.
