Orengo: I won’t allow myself to be killed; I will defend myself
By Mabonga Makhanu, July 14, 2026Siaya Governor James Orengo has declared that he will rely on self-defence following the withdrawal of his security personnel, insisting that he will not allow himself to be killed like some of Kenya’s prominent political figures who were assassinated after speaking out against those in power.
Speaking at his office during a joint press briefing with Embakasi East MP Babu Owino on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, the outspoken governor said the withdrawal of his security had left him with no option but to take responsibility for his own safety.
Orengo maintained that from now on, protecting himself would be a matter of self-defence, arguing that he could not ignore what he described as the country’s history of political assassinations.
He cited the late Tom Mboya and J.M. Kariuki, saying both leaders paid the ultimate price after consistently criticising the government of their day.
“They have withdrawn all my security personnel attached to me, but I am not going to allow myself to be killed. I will not allow myself to be killed like Tom Mboya or like J.M. Kariuki. I will defend myself to the best of my ability because self-defence is justified in law but if they kill me, if they kill Babu, the people of Kenya will not leave you in peace.”
The governor defended his remarks, arguing that the right to self-defence is recognised under the law.
Orengo’s security withdrawal
In a letter addressed to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, Orengo complained about what he described as the abrupt and unprocedural withdrawal of his personal security officers and the security personnel attached to his Nairobi residence.
According to Orengo, the officers were withdrawn on the evening of Tuesday, May 19, 2026, without prior notice, formal communication, or any replacement being provided.
“I am writing to register my strong protest regarding the abrupt and unprocedural withdrawal of my personal security detail and the security personnel deployed at my Nairobi residence, which occurred yesterday evening, Tuesday, May 19, 2026,” Orengo stated.
Attack on Orengo
This comes at a time when the outspoken governor has faced several attacks during his political engagements. The most recent incident occurred in Kisumu, where he was attacked alongside Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna after suspected goons pelted a church with stones. Earlier, Orengo was also attacked in Homa Bay County while holding political forums in the area.