Orengo vows no retreat as Linda Mwananchi targets Homa Bay rally

Siaya Governor James Orengo has firmly stated that the Linda Mwananchi movement will move forward with its scheduled rally in Homa Bay on Sunday, August 16, despite reports of potential disruptions. During a press conference in Kisumu on August 12, 2026, Orengo confirmed that the movement had already informed the police about the gathering and would not back out of the event. "We will be in Homa Bay. Nothing is going to change. We are ready for the liberation movement," he proclaimed.

Orengo emphasized that the movement would report any security concerns to the police and called for authorities to ensure the safety of those attending the rally. The apprehensions arose following incidents in Homa Bay Town on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, when businesses were briefly halted due to youths setting up bonfires in protest of the arrest of six individuals linked to an attack on Linda Mwananchi's rally planning team.

Additionally, earlier this month, there was an assault on the Homa Bay County Coordinator, Wakili Samwel Nyauke, along with his property and tenants.

In response to these events, Orengo denounced the acts of violence and demanded that those responsible be brought to justice. Meanwhile, Linda Mwananchi maintained that the incidents would not prevent their rally on August 16. Orengo cited local leaders mobilizing groups to interfere with the meeting, noting that pangas, rungus, bows, and arrows had reportedly been distributed to factions prepared to confront Linda Mwananchi supporters.

He mentioned that some of these weapons may have been stored at a site previously utilized as a tallying center during the last elections, though these claims could not be independently confirmed.

Brian Weke, accompanying the governor, stated that police had been informed about the rally and that the organizers intended to conduct the meeting peacefully. Weke also mentioned that some supporters had previously been arrested and subsequently released following an intervention by senior officials. Furthermore, properties linked to the movement had reportedly faced targeting.

Orengo accused certain Homa Bay leaders of attempting to stifle political activities within the county, asserting that such actions contravene constitutional safeguards regarding freedom of movement, association, expression, and peaceful assembly. He cautioned that mobilizing communities against political opponents could spark tension and conflict.

Reflecting on his own experiences during Kenya’s pursuit of multiparty democracy, Orengo recounted facing violence and injuries but remained steadfast in his commitment to political transformation.

Rejecting any notion that political leaders should dictate who should represent the Luo community in the presidential race of 2027, Orengo argued that Kenyans should have the autonomy to decide. The Linda Mwananchi movement, founded about four months ago, is now poised to evolve into a formal political party ahead of the 2027 General Election.

According to Orengo, the organization plans to present its solutions to the country's challenges and is preparing to field candidates across all levels of government. He acknowledged that while the movement has primarily criticized government performance, it would shift focus to proposing resolutions for the issues affecting the nation.

The Homa Bay rally represents one of several upcoming political engagements by Linda Mwananchi as parties and movements gear up for the 2027 General Election. Orengo reiterated that the movement would proceed with the rally on August 16, regardless of the security concerns raised.