‘Backward, primitive thinking’: Orengo rejects claims Linda Mwananchi orchestrates teargas at rallies

Siaya Governor James Orengo during a past event/COURTESY 

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Siaya Governor James Orengo on Saturday rejected allegations that the Linda Mwananchi movement has been staging teargas incidents at its own rallies to discredit the government

He termed the claims “backward and primitive thinking.”

‎Speaking in response to questions over incidents during recent Linda Mwananchi rallies, including one in Kakamega, Orengo denied any suggestion that opposition leaders were behind the disturbances.

‎“Kama teargas ni yetu mbona tuzime?” Orengo posed, rejecting claims that his political side could orchestrate such incidents and then deny responsibility.

‎He insisted that accusations linking opposition gatherings to planned violence or disruption were politically motivated and aimed at discrediting their meetings with supporters.

‎The county boss, who was speaking during an interview on Obina Show, further suggested that their rival camp was working closely with the government, alleging coordination intended to undermine opposition activities.

‎“The other camp is working with the government,” he said, without giving further details.

‎Referring to the Kakamega incident, Orengo said opposition leaders had actually urged calm during the confrontation and did not encourage violence.

‎“Uliona kule Kakamega Sifuna alikuwa anasema zimeni hiyo kitu lakini musimpige,” he said.

‎Orengo maintained that opposition rallies remain peaceful civic engagements aimed at engaging citizens on governance issues, not platforms for instigating unrest.

‎He dismissed the allegations that the opposition stages disruptions only to shift blame to state security agencies, terming the narrative unfair and misleading.

‎“That is a backward and primitive mindset,” he said.

‎The governor argued that such claims are part of a broader political strategy to delegitimise opposition activities and discourage public participation in their meetings.