Siaya Governor James Orengo has disclosed alleged plans to disrupt the upcoming Linda Mwananchi rally scheduled for Sunday, August 16, in Homa Bay County.
Speaking on August 12 alongside Linda Mwananchi members, Orengo revealed that following a UDA-ODM parliamentary meeting in Naivasha on August 10, a secret night gathering took place where weapons such as rungus, arrows, and hangers were distributed. He claimed these items were handed out to unidentified individuals, with additional weapons stored at a governor's residence for future use.
Orengo also alleged that another meeting involving a group he described as "goons" was held at the home of Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluna. He promised to release video and audio evidence to support these claims, noting that recordings from the Governor's Park meeting were already circulating.
In addition, Orengo accused local market women of being pressured not to set up their stalls in Homa Bay Town on the rally day. Instead, they were reportedly instructed 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 the allegations, Orengo affirmed that the Linda Mwananchi rally would proceed as planned, pledging to ensure the safety of attendees, particularly if police protection falls short. He also warned that more attempts to undermine the rally could emerge across the county.
These assertions were supported by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who were present during the press briefing.
The allegations come shortly after Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga urged for peace and political tolerance ahead of the rally, emphasizing the constitutional right of all leaders to campaign freely and without intimidation.
