Onyonka recounts harassment ordeal ahead of Linda Mwananchi’s Kisumu rally
By Emmanuel Rono, April 26, 2026Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has recounted an incident in which he claims he was harassed by unknown individuals in Bondo, Siaya County, ahead of a planned political rally in Kisumu.
In a statement on Saturday, April 25, 2026, evening, Onyonka said the confrontation occurred while he was on his way to Kang’o Ka Jaramogi and briefly stopped at a restaurant near Bondo for a meal.
According to the Kisii Senator, a group of individuals approached him shortly after he settled in and began questioning his presence in the region.
“This evening, on my way to Kang’o KaJaramogi, I made a stopover in one restaurant near Bondo where I intended to have a meal. A few minutes later, goons appeared and started harassing me, saying that I can’t eat in Luo, Nyanza, because I’m a Kisii and opposing William Ruto,” Onyonka stated.
How he was saved
Onyonka further stated that the individuals arrived in Probox vehicles and attempted to intimidate him, but he and his team managed to leave the scene without injuries.
“We left unhurt! The goons came in proboxes! This is the country that William Ruto wants,” Onyonka said.
According to Onyonka, he was saved by the hotel owner, who informed the individuals that the senator was just a regular customer at the hotel.
He further stated that he told the attackers to allow him to be an advocate for one term while allowing them to advocate for two terms.
“The truth is that the incident was not good, but there’s something nice that came out of it. The owner of that hotel kept telling those people, ” This is a customer. He has no politicians here. He’s eating. Why are you attacking him?” And then I kept telling those guys,I completely understand that you are in two term, but allow me to also be in one term,” Onyonka said in a clip seen by People Daily Digital on April 26, 2026.
Linda Mwananchi rally threats
Siaya Governor James Orengo has issued a warning ahead of the planned Linda Mwananchi rally at KaOwuor Grounds in Kisumu on Sunday, April 26, 2026, warning violent actors against alleged attempts to incite violence.
Taking to his X account on April 26, 2026, Orengo said those behind what he termed as orchestrated violence are well known, adding that their interests are equally understood.
“We are fully aware of those orchestrating violence and the interests they serve. Abandon your schemes; this movement is an unstoppable force. The voice of the people is the voice of God. Tupatane KaOwuor Grounds !” Orengo warned.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino however maintained that, with or without what he termed as goons, the rally must be held in the lakeside city.