Siaya Governor James Orengo has condemned disruptions targeting the Linda Mwananchi campaign convoy in Homa Bay, accusing organised groups of attacking vehicles and attempting to prevent the opposition movement from holding rallies in the county.
Orengo spoke on Sunday, August 16, 2026, as he led Linda Mwananchi leaders into Homa Bay, where the convoy encountered roadblocks and confrontations while attempting to proceed with its programme.
He said residents in areas the group had passed through had largely welcomed the campaign despite the disruptions.
“Every place we have passed since we entered Homa Bay is ‘Wantam’,” Orengo said, accusing groups of being organised to attack their vehicles and interfere with the convoy.
The governor said the movement would not abandon its programme, insisting that the leaders would hold all their planned meetings, including rallies in Sindo and Homa Bay.
He also criticised the police response, accusing officers of failing to maintain order in areas where the convoy encountered resistance.
At Ndhiwa, Orengo said police should have been deployed to prevent the disruption, but claimed officers had surrendered their authority to what he described as “goons”.
The confrontation came after Linda Mwananchi leaders had raised concerns about possible violence ahead of their Homa Bay tour. On August 12, Orengo said he had received information about plans to target him and other leaders taking part in the rally. Suba South MP Caroli Omondi separately alleged that groups were being mobilised to block access points into Homa Bay and disrupt the movement's programme.
The movement's concerns followed an earlier incident involving its Homa Bay County coordinator, lawyer Samwel Nyauke.
According to reports, Nyauke's property and tenants were targeted in an attack that Linda Mwananchi leaders described as politically motivated. Six people were subsequently arrested in connection with an attack on members of the rally's planning team.
Orengo has himself been targeted in previous confrontations in Homa Bay.
In May, his convoy came under attack during a political tour of the county, with vehicles reportedly damaged and groups of youths blocking roads. Local media stations reported that the incident was the second attack on the governor in Luo Nyanza within a short period.
Other prominent Linda Mwananchi figures have also faced violence during the movement's nationwide mobilisation.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna is among leaders caught up in violence at St Stephen's ACK Cathedral in Kisumu on July 12, when armed youths attempted to force their way into the church compound. Police used teargas to disperse the groups after clashes broke out outside the church.
Earlier in July, Sifuna, Orengo and former Chief Justice David Maraga were in a convoy that was attacked at Keumbu in Kisii County while travelling to a Linda Mwananchi rally in Keroka. The incident left several people injured and vehicles damaged.
The movement has also recorded attacks on its wider political network. Former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati has been associated with the Linda Mwananchi camp and has participated in political activities alongside leaders supporting the movement.
Reports have documented confrontations involving the former governor and other Western Kenya leaders during the group's political mobilisation.
Linda Mwananchi is an opposition faction that emerged from divisions within ODM over the party's political direction and its cooperation with President William Ruto's administration. The movement has been prominently associated with Orengo, Sifuna and Babu Owino, alongside Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi and other opposition politicians.
Homa Bay carries particular political significance because it is a traditional ODM stronghold and the political base of Governor Gladys Wanga, who belongs to the rival faction aligned with ODM leader Oburu Oginga. The competing formations have increasingly sought to demonstrate their influence in the county as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Orengo said the latest confrontations would not intimidate Linda Mwananchi leaders.
“Homa Bay cannot be an exception, and we are not going to be deterred from having rallies today in Homa Bay,” he said.
The events are likely to renew debate over political tolerance, police preparedness and the protection of freedom of assembly as Kenya enters an increasingly competitive pre-election period.