Siaya Governor Orengo alleges attack on motorcade in Homa Bay

Siaya Governor James Orengo/SCREENGRAB

Siaya Governor James Orengo has alleged that his motorcade was attacked during a political tour of Homa Bay County, in what he described as a coordinated attempt to disrupt his engagements in the region.

Orengo alleged that the incidents occurred on multiple occasions as he moved through Mbita, Rusinga Island, Sindo in Suba South, and later along the return route to Kisumu.

He alleged that groups of armed individuals and road obstructions targeted his convoy.

According to the governor, the trouble began shortly after his team docked at Mbita, where he claimed his motorcade was attacked by a group of individuals who smashed the windscreen of his vehicle and damaged several other cars in the convoy.

He said the situation escalated, but his team still proceeded with planned rallies.

“Despite a 'well-choreographed' campaign of terror and violence, my tour of Homa Bay County was a resounding and historic success,” Orengo stated.

Orengo further alleged that more incidents occurred as they moved towards Sindo, where he said roads were blocked using burning tyres and stones were thrown at his convoy.

He also claimed that a member of his team, identified as Cvilizer Aran, was assaulted.

He said the situation was contained after members of the public intervened.

“Once again, ordinary citizens stood firm, paving the way for a highly successful and peaceful rally in Sindo,” he said.

However, he alleged that tensions rose again later along the route back to Kisumu, where he said the most serious incident took place at Kodoyo Junction.

Orengo claimed that the road had been deliberately barricaded using a concrete electric pole and large stones, effectively blocking the movement of his convoy.

According to Orengo, the attackers threw stones at the convoy, injuring two members of his team.

“We met the ultimate act of cowardice at Kodoyo Junction. The road was deliberately barricaded with a concrete electric pole and massive boulders,” he stated.

He added that the injured were rushed to hospital for treatment. “Two of our team members, who are currently nursing severe injuries at the hospital in Homa Bay,” Orengo stated.

The governor condemned the incidents.

“Let me be absolutely clear: I will never be cowed into submission. My ultimate security is the millions of Kenyans fighting for their rights,” he said.

Orengo also called for accountability, saying the violence was unacceptable in a democratic society.

“We demand justice for this heinous act,” he said.

Orengo stated that despite the incidents, his tour remained successful and vowed to continue political engagements in the region. “Homabay, I will be back!” he concluded.