Siaya Governor James Orengo has condemned the alleged attack on his supporters during a political tour in Homa Bay County, describing the incident as a coordinated attempt to intimidate his camp and silence dissenting voices.
In a statement after visiting two of his injured team members receiving treatment at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital, Orengo said the violence occurred at Corner Kodoyo shortly after what he termed “successful and peaceful rallies” in Suba South and Suba North.
“Today, I visited two brave members of my team, Steven Odongo and Mourice Collins Midiwo, at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital,” Orengo said.
“These dedicated comrades were viciously attacked at Corner Kodoyo in Homa Bay by goons sponsored by Gladys Wanga.”
The governor further alleged that the attack was politically motivated, linking it to tensions surrounding his tour.
These claims have not been independently verified, and no official response had been issued by the Homa Bay County leadership by the time of publication.
Orengo said the incident was “a cowardly act of violence” aimed at suppressing political expression, insisting that it would not weaken his support base.
“This cowardly act of violence was a desperate attempt to silence the voice of the people, but our resolve remains entirely unshaken,” he stated.
He also expressed gratitude to medical personnel who attended to the injured, praising their swift intervention.
Orengo acknowledged both Tamarind Hospital and the referral facility for what he termed rapid emergency response that helped stabilise the victims.
“I want to extend my deepest appreciation to the medical teams at both Tamarind Hospital and the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital,” he said. “Their lightning-fast emergency response and dedicated care saved lives today.”
Orengo called for immediate investigations by security agencies, urging action against those responsible.
He also pressed for accountability at all levels, including what he described as “political sponsors” of the violence.
“We categorically condemn this blatant political intolerance,” he said. “We now call upon law enforcement authorities to move with utmost speed to bring both the perpetrators and the political sponsors of this heinous act to book.”
He added that his team remains committed to continuing with political engagements despite the incident, insisting that intimidation would not alter their course.
The developments come amid heightened political activity in the wider Lake Region, where rival alignments continue to shape local engagements.