Motorbikes were torched following the disruption of an event attended by Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna and Siaya governor James Orengo, as political tensions continued to rise ahead of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.

The incident unfolded hours after the two opposition leaders attended a church service at St Joseph’s Catholic Cathedral in Kisumu, where they reaffirmed unity within the Linda Mwananchi movement and dismissed claims of internal divisions.

Earlier in the day, Jubilee Party Deputy Organising Secretary, Pauline Njoroge had claimedon Facebook that there were plans to attack the two leaders after the church service.

“Let’s pray for a safe passage as Edwin W. Sifuna and Governor James Orengo leave Stephen’s ACK Cathedral, Kisumu. State-sponsored goons have been unleashed to attack them,” she posted.

The claims had not been confirmed by the National Police Service or any other state agency.

Videos and photos later shared online showed several motorbikes engulfed in flames after confrontations linked to the day’s political activities. While the footage spread widely on social media, authorities had not released an official account explaining how the motorcycles were set ablaze or who was responsible.

Reacting to the incident, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino claimed that people who had allegedly been sent to attack Orengo and Sifuna had suffered the consequences of their actions.

Posting on his official X account, Babu wrote:

“Goon-lets who were sent to attack Orengo and Sifuna have learnt their lessons the hard way. This is the consequence of their actions. Their motorbikes have been burnt to ashes.”

The MP also criticised the police, arguing that supporters would continue protecting themselves if security agencies failed to guarantee their safety.

“We will continue defending ourselves if the police can’t defend us. The consequences are better imagined than experienced,” he added.

His statement came against the backdrop of growing political rivalry in Nyandarua County, where campaigns for the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election have intensified.

Orengo dismisses division claims

Earlier on Sunday, Orengo used the church service in Kisumu to dismiss reports that the Linda Mwananchi movement was experiencing internal disagreements.

“I have invited Edwin Sifuna, and there is another group in Nyahururu. But I wanted Sifuna to come here because there are a lot of people, including yesterday, who were talking about divisions within Linda Mwananchi,” Orengo said.

“So today is to put you to shame that we are together, we are walking together, and we shall never be divided.”

Sifuna echoed the governor’s message and urged coalition leaders and supporters to remain united despite political pressure.

“We must all remain united… hata wakijaribu kuleta vitina gani, hatuachani,” he said.

While Orengo and Sifuna attended the Kisumu service, another team of Linda Mwananchi leaders, led by Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, attended a church service at AIPCA Nyahururu Cathedral before holding political engagements.