Siaya Governor James Orengo has broken his silence after chaos disrupted a political gathering in Migori County, claiming his vehicle was sprayed with live bullets before being torched in Awendo.
Orengo said the violence would not deter him or supporters of the Linda Mwananchi movement, maintaining that the events had instead strengthened his resolve to continue with his political engagements.
In a statement issued after the incident, the governor thanked residents of Migori for turning up to support the movement despite the disruption.
“They swore we’d never step foot in Migori. They failed. Thank you, Migori, for standing with us!” Orengo stated.
The governor alleged that his vehicle came under fire during the confrontation, accusing unidentified individuals of using live ammunition before setting the car ablaze.
“To the cowards who sprayed live bullets into my car and torched it in Awendo to hide your crimes: your desperate violence only proves your fear,” Orengo said.
His remarks came after a political gathering associated with Linda Mwananchi was disrupted by chaos in Migori. Reports indicated that tear gas was deployed as the gathering was underway, forcing Orengo and other attendees to seek safety as the situation deteriorated.
The confrontation reportedly continued as the governor’s entourage attempted to leave the area, with stones thrown during the disorder. A vehicle linked to the convoy was later reportedly set on fire in Awendo.
Orengo, however, struck a defiant tone in his statement, dismissing the incident as an attempt to intimidate him and derail the movement.
“You thought you eliminated me, but I am always steps ahead,” he said, adding that the violence would not stop the political mobilisation.
“You can’t burn down a movement, and you will never intimidate me,” Orengo declared.
The governor concluded his statement with the phrase “Unbwogable,” a popular Luo expression associated with courage and fearlessness that has featured prominently in opposition politics in Nyanza.
The incident comes amid increased political mobilisation across the region ahead of the 2027 General Election, with competing political groups seeking to strengthen their grassroots networks.
Orengo’s allegations of live ammunition and the burning of the vehicle could further raise concerns over political violence, although the circumstances surrounding the alleged shooting and arson had not been independently established at the time of publication.