Popular Ohangla and Benga musician Tom Mboya Ang'ang'a, known as Atommy Sifa, was arrested on July 30 over allegations of stealing a bull and four sacks of charcoal belonging to Homa Bay Woman Representative Joyce Atieno Bensuda.
After spending a night in police custody at Kendu Bay Police Station, Atommy was released on bond. He denied the accusations, stating he found the bull on his property after returning from a weekend performance in Bondo, Siaya County.
"I woke up around 1 pm and saw a bull in my compound. I thought it belonged to a neighbour and instructed a worker to tie it so the owner could retrieve it," Atommy explained. He added that he had no knowledge of how the animal came to be there and cooperated when the owner’s representatives arrived.
In court, Bensuda confirmed she filed the complaint, saying the bull and charcoal went missing from her home on July 27 while she was away. She attended the hearing to ensure the accused appeared and to recover her property.
Atommy claims the arrest was politically motivated due to his recent public criticism of local leaders, including Bensuda. In late June, he posted a video highlighting the poor living conditions of a family allegedly related to the Woman Rep, accusing her of neglect.
"Since birth, I have spoken for the vulnerable. This arrest is retaliation for exposing her neglect of relatives living in poverty," the musician stated. He also accused Bensuda of damaging his reputation, as AI-generated images of him handcuffed beside a cow circulated widely.
Atommy is seeking legal redress for defamation, emphasizing his clean record and international fan base.
