Siaya Governor James Orengo has vowed that the Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay on Sunday will go on despite alleged plans to block the event and reports of preparations to attack leaders attending it.
Orengo said he and other opposition leaders would be in Homa Bay on August 16, insisting that the Constitution guarantees Kenyans freedom of movement, residence, association, expression and peaceful assembly.
He said some leaders in Homa Bay are “living in the past” by allegedly attempting to prevent opposition leaders from entering the county.
“There are people from Homa Bay who are patriots. But there are certain leaders from Homa Bay who are living in the past. They don't know we have a new constitutional order,” Orengo said.
The governor compared the situation to Kenya's struggles during the push for multiparty democracy, recalling periods when political leaders and their supporters were prevented from accessing certain parts of the country.
He said such attempts to restrict political activity had no place in the current constitutional dispensation.
Orengo said Linda Mwananchi leaders had successfully held rallies in different parts of the country and would not be intimidated from holding the Homa Bay meeting.
“I want to assure those leaders from Homa Bay that we will be in Homa Bay. We will use cars, bows and arrows, injuries, including fractures. If the last act that I can do for this country, in the name of change and patriotism, in the name of democracy, is for me to die for my country, I am prepared,” he said.
Orengo said he would be joined by a number of leaders from the Linda Mwananchi Brigade, including Brian Weke, Edwin Sifuna, Babu Owino, among others.
He further alleged that some individuals had held meetings where weapons were allegedly distributed in preparation for the rally.
According to Orengo, weapons including rungus, arrows and pangas were allegedly distributed during a night meeting in one of the counties.
He also claimed that some of the weapons had been kept at a centre in the area, allegations that could not immediately be independently verified.
Orengo said the team had information about planned meetings and alleged attempts to mobilise groups to disrupt their entry into Homa Bay.
He also alleged that traders were being discouraged from travelling to Homa Bay to attend the rally, claiming some market women had been told to sell their goods at Kabunde Airstrip instead.
The governor maintained that such efforts would not stop the rally.
Weke, who also spoke, said the organisers had notified the police of the planned rally and would report to the Homa Bay police station to formally place the matter on record.
He said the police have a constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property.
Weke also alleged that some supporters had been arrested and later released following intervention from unnamed senior officials.
He claimed that properties belonging to people perceived to support the Linda Mwananchi team had also been targeted.
The leaders appealed to residents and youths in Homa Bay not to engage in violence, despite the alleged preparations for confrontation.
Weke invoked the legacy of the Late former leader Raila Odinga, saying political differences should not translate into violence.
“Raila once said, I might not agree with what you are saying, but I will ensure that the right for you to say it cannot be compromised,” Weke said.
He urged youths allegedly being mobilised against the opposition leaders to reconsider their actions.
The leaders also recalled the 2007/08 political crisis, arguing that political competition should not be allowed to descend into violence.
Orengo's remarks come amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 General Election, with leaders increasingly stepping up mobilisation activities across the country.
