Siaya Governor James Orengo has sensationally claimed there was a plot to harm him during a chaotic political tour of Homa Bay County that was marked by violent attacks, road blockades, and running battles involving his supporters and suspected goons.

In a statement released via X on the night of Friday, May 29, 2026, after the tour, Orengo accused unnamed state operatives and political rivals of orchestrating violence aimed at disrupting his rallies across Mbita, Rusinga Island and Sindo.

The veteran politician claimed his convoy came under repeated attack moments after arriving in Homa Bay County, beginning at Mbita where he said a group of organised goons smashed his vehicle’s windscreen and damaged several other vehicles in his entourage.

According to Orengo, supporters who had turned up to receive him fought back and enabled the rallies in Mbita Town and Rusinga Island to proceed successfully despite the chaos.

“Despite a well choreographed campaign of terror and violence, my tour of Homabay County was a resounding and historic success. The forces of darkness tried to stop us, but the power of the people triumphed, proving that our journey of liberation cannot and will not be halted by hired goons or state complicity,” Orengo stated.

“The trouble began the moment our ferry docked at Mbita, where an organized group of goons targeted my motorcade, smashing my vehicle’s windscreen and damaging several other fleet cars. They severely underestimated the people, however, as the public swiftly repulsed them, allowing us to hold two massive, electric rallies in Mbita Town and Rusinga Island.”

Violent clashes and road blockades

Orengo claimed that the attacks intensified as his convoy moved toward Sindo in Suba South Constituency, where roads were reportedly barricaded using burning tyres and stones hurled at his team.

He claimed one of his associates, identified as Cvilizer Aran, was seriously assaulted during the confrontation.

The politician further claimed that another violent ambush occurred at Kodoyo Junction while his convoy was returning toward Kisumu.

According to him, attackers blocked the road using a concrete electricity pole and massive boulders before pelting his convoy with stones.

He claimed two members of his team sustained severe injuries and were rushed to Tranquil Hospital in Homa Bay for treatment.

“As we proceeded to Sindo in Suba South, the desperation of our detractors intensified. Roadblocks of burning tyres were erected, stones were pelted at us, and a dedicated member of our team, Cvilizer Aran, was brutally attacked. Once again, ordinary citizens stood firm and overpowered the goons, paving the way for a highly successful and peaceful rally in Sindo,” he stated.

“After four more triumphant stops on our way back to Kisumu, we met the ultimate act of cowardice at Kodoyo Junction. The road was deliberately barricaded with a concrete electric pole and massive boulders. Hired militia rained stones on our convoy and hacked two of our team members, who are currently nursing severe injuries at Tranquil Hospital in Homabay. We pray for their quick recovery and demand justice for this heinous act.”

Orengo accuses state and rivals

In the explosive statement, Orengo directly linked the violence to political forces opposed to his growing influence, accusing Governor Gladys Wanga of hypocrisy and claiming that police officers failed to intervene despite witnessing the attacks.

“It is deeply shameful and hypocritical for Gladys Wanga to masquerade as a leader and a mother while orchestrating the cold-blooded slaughter of other mothers’ children for political mileage,” he said.

The outspoken Linda Mwananchi movement politician also questioned the recent withdrawal of his official security detail, claiming the move was deliberate and intended to expose him to danger during the tour.

“What is even more telling is that all these violent incidents occurred in the full glare of the police, who stood by as mere bystanders,” he added.

Assassination plot

Orengo escalated the political rhetoric further by issuing a direct warning to President William Ruto, alleging there was an attempt to intimidate or eliminate him politically.

“To William Ruto, I say this clearly: Do not attempt to take my life,” Orengo declared.

He further accused the government of presiding over what he termed a dangerous regression into a police state, claiming several Luo leaders and citizens had died under suspicious circumstances in recent years.

“I have spent my entire life in the trenches fighting for the democracy and constitutionalism that this nation enjoys today, and Kenya does not deserve this regression into a police state,” he said.

Despite the violence, Orengo described the Homa Bay tour as a “historic success” and insisted he would not be intimidated by political violence.

He praised residents of Homa Bay for standing with him and protecting his convoy from the attacks, saying the incidents had only strengthened his resolve.

Orengo has previously stated that his security withdrawal would not silence his criticism of the government, vowing to continue with his role as the key opposition figure.