Governor Orengo Alleges Assassination Attempt After Official Vehicle Is Set Ablaze
Siaya Governor James Orengo has claimed that an attempt was made on his life after his official vehicle was sprayed with live bullets and later set on fire during a political event in Awendo, Migori County.
Orengo made the allegations after travelling to Migori on Saturday, August 29, for an impromptu visit as part of his Linda Mwananchi political agenda.
His visit, however, was disrupted by violence, forcing the governor and members of his entourage to leave the area for their safety.
According to Orengo, his official vehicle came under attack while he was no longer inside it. He claimed that the vehicle was first sprayed with live ammunition before being torched.
The governor believes the attackers may have set the car on fire after discovering that he had already left the vehicle, allegedly in an attempt to destroy or hide evidence of the shooting.
In a statement following the incident, Orengo said he had already moved to another vehicle within his convoy when the attack happened.
“You thought you eliminated me, but I am always steps ahead. You can’t burn down a movement, and you will never intimidate me,” Orengo said, making it clear that the incident would not stop him from continuing with his political activities.
The governor further alleged that the attack was deliberately planned to target him. He claimed that those behind the incident first fired live bullets at his vehicle and later set it ablaze after realising that he was not inside.
“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 stated.
Orengo has since maintained that he will not be intimidated or forced to abandon the Linda Mwananchi campaign because of the incident.
He insisted that the alleged attack would not weaken his political activities or prevent him from engaging with residents across the region.
The incident came shortly after a political engagement by the Linda Mwananchi movement in Migori Town was disrupted. Video footage from the scene showed the situation becoming chaotic as the governor was hurried into his vehicle while tear gas was being thrown in the area.
The violence forced Orengo and his entourage to leave the scene, raising fresh concerns about the safety of political leaders and growing political tensions in the Nyanza region.
The latest incident is also significant because it comes less than two weeks after another Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay County was disrupted by violence.
The repeated disruptions have increased fears that political disagreements could once again turn violent as the country approaches the 2027 General Election.
Several political leaders condemned the incident involving Orengo and his entourage. Among those who spoke out were Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro and former Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo.
The leaders described the reported attack as unacceptable and warned that continued political violence could have serious consequences for the country if it is not addressed early.
Despite the serious allegations made by the governor, police had not, by the time of publication, provided an official account explaining what happened to Orengo’s vehicle or confirming the circumstances surrounding the alleged shooting and burning.
The lack of an official police statement has left several questions unanswered, including who was responsible for the attack, what caused the violence and whether the incident was specifically intended to target the governor.
Police authorities have previously maintained that there is no room for political intolerance or violence in Kenya. They have warned politicians and their supporters against organising, funding or encouraging violence against political opponents.
Authorities have also stated that politicians found to be supporting or financing political violence could face serious consequences. These may include being prevented from contesting in the 2027 General Election, depending on the findings of investigations and the applicable law.
The incident involving Orengo has therefore renewed calls for political leaders, security agencies and other stakeholders to take firm action against violence and ensure that political activities are conducted peacefully as the country moves closer to the 2027 polls.
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