Siaya Governor James Orengo has alleged an attempt on his life after his official vehicle was reportedly sprayed with live bullets and later set ablaze during a political engagement in Migori County.
Orengo travelled to Migori on Saturday, August 29, on an impromptu visit as he took the Linda Mwananchi agenda to the county.
The political engagement, however, was disrupted by violence, with video footage from Migori Town showing the governor being rushed into his vehicle as tear gas was thrown at the scene.
In a statement following the incident, Orengo claimed that his official vehicle had first been targeted with live bullets before it was set on fire.
The governor said the incident amounted to an attempt on his life, but noted that he was already out of the vehicle and travelling in another car within his convoy when the attack occurred.
“You thought you eliminated me, but I am always steps ahead. You can’t burn down a movement, and you will never intimidate me,” Orengo stated.
Orengo Claims Attackers Torched Vehicle to Conceal Evidence
Orengo further alleged that his vehicle was initially sprayed with live bullets in an attempt to kill him before being torched.
According to the governor, the vehicle was set on fire after the attackers allegedly realised that he was not inside, with the move intended to conceal evidence of the alleged attack.
“To the cowards who sprayed live bullets into my car and torched it in Awendo to hide your crimes: your desperate violence only proves your fear,” Orengo said.
Despite the incident, the Siaya governor vowed to continue with his political activities, insisting that the alleged attack would not intimidate him or force him to abandon the Linda Mwananchi agenda.
Tear Gas Disrupts Linda Mwananchi Engagement in Migori
The alleged attack came after a political engagement by Linda Mwananchi was disrupted in Migori Town, where Orengo was addressing residents.
Video footage from the scene showed the governor being rushed into his vehicle as tear gas was thrown, forcing his entourage to leave the area.
The disruption added to growing concerns over political violence in the Nyanza region, particularly as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The Migori incident also came less than two weeks after violence disrupted a Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay County.
Leaders Condemn Alleged Attack on Orengo
Several opposition-aligned leaders condemned the incident involving Orengo’s motorcade.
Among those who spoke out were Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro and former Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo.
The leaders described the attack as unacceptable and warned about the potential consequences of allowing political violence to go unchecked.
Their condemnation comes amid heightened scrutiny of political gatherings in the region following a series of disruptions and clashes.
Police Yet to Explain Circumstances Surrounding Attack
By the time of publication, police had not stated the circumstances surrounding the attack on Orengo’s vehicle.
The absence of an official account means that the governor’s allegations had not yet been independently established by police at the time of publication.
Police have, however, maintained that there is no room for political intolerance and violence.
Authorities have also warned that politicians found to be supporting or financing violence against their political competitors will face consequences, including being barred from contesting in the 2027 General Election.
The incident involving Orengo’s vehicle therefore remains subject to further investigation and clarification from the relevant authorities.
For now, the governor has maintained that the alleged attack will not stop his political activities, while the latest violence has renewed concerns over political intolerance in Nyanza ahead of the 2027 polls.
Also Read: Seven Americans in Kenya Quarantine as Ebola Fears Grow Across the Region
Comments 1