By Bonface Mulyungi

Siaya Governor James Orengo has accused President William Ruto and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga of orchestrating violence that disrupted his political tour of Homa Bay County on Friday, claiming his convoy was attacked at multiple locations by what he described as “hired goons.”

In a strongly worded statement issued after the incidents, Orengo said his convoy came under attack shortly after arriving in Mbita, where assailants allegedly damaged vehicles and targeted members of his entourage.

“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,” Orengo said.

The Siaya Governor claimed that despite the attacks, he proceeded with rallies in Mbita Town, Rusinga Island and Sindo in Suba South Constituency.

According to Orengo, violence escalated as his team moved through the county, with roads allegedly blocked using burning tyres and stones thrown at his convoy.

“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,” he stated.

Orengo further alleged that two members of his team sustained serious injuries during another attack 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,” he said.

The Governor directly accused Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga of being behind the attacks, alleging political intolerance.

“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,” Orengo claimed.

He also faulted the police for allegedly failing to intervene during the incidents and questioned the recent withdrawal of his official security detail.

“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. Now it makes perfect sense why the state withdrew my official security detail just before this trip; they wanted to leave us exposed to harm,” he said.

Orengo further appealed to President William Ruto, claiming he had become a target because of his political activities.

“Do not attempt to take my life. Too many Luos have already lost their lives under your watch in unclear, bloody circumstances,” he stated.

The Governor thanked residents of Homa Bay whom he said protected his team during the tour and vowed to return to the county despite the violence.