Siaya Governor James Orengo has stopped short of declaring his presidential ambitions, saying the question of who will lead the political formation into next year’s election should be addressed at a later stage.
Speaking to journalists in Kisumu, Orengo said Linda Mwananchi must produce a presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
He said the Luo community should have a place on the presidential ballot, either through him or another candidate chosen by the political formation.
“I think that issue should be left for another day,” Orengo said when asked directly whether he would seek the presidency.
He was speaking ahead of a Linda Mwananchi rally planned for Homa Bay on Sunday.
Orengo alleged that meetings had been held to plan disruptions at the rally and claimed that young people and women had been mobilised for the purpose.
He said some politicians had provided money and crude weapons to young people, although he did not provide evidence to support the claims.
Orengo said the rally would go ahead and urged supporters to remain peaceful.”We will defend ourselves,” he said.
He added that the group had informed the police about the planned gathering.
He called on Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to investigate what he described as politically sponsored violence.
Orengo said Nyanza should not become a “battlefield” for political ambitions.
He cited recent incidents in the region, including an attack at St Stephen’s ACK Cathedral in Milimani, Kisumu, as well as attacks on his entourage in Mbita, Sindo and Homa Bay town.
He said such incidents were contrary to the ideals for which Kenya’s independence and pro-democracy leaders had fought.
Orengo invoked the legacy of the late opposition leader Raila Odinga, saying his contribution to Kenya’s political development should not be reduced to political handouts or access to government.
He described Odinga as a champion of multiparty democracy who fought for freedom of expression, the right to assemble and equal rights, and endured detention and political persecution.
He said he, Odinga and the latter’s father, the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, had all suffered political persecution in the struggle for political change.
“Political competition is not a war between brothers and sisters,” Orengo said.
He also questioned the achievements of Kenya’s broad-based government, asking whether its agenda had delivered tangible benefits to ordinary citizens.
He cited unemployment, the closure of industries and allegations of abductions and extra-judicial killings.
He referred to the death of Albert Ojwang as an example of what he said were concerns over police accountability.
Orengo also criticised President William Ruto’s Vision 2030 and longer-term development promises, saying Kenyans continued to face insecurity and alleged abductions.
He said the constitutional rights to movement and association must be respected and urged young people not to allow themselves to be used to advance political interests.
City lawyer Brian Weke, who was present, said their team would travel to Homa Bay peacefully but would defend themselves if attacked.
The Homa Bay rally is expected to provide a significant platform for Orengo’s Linda Mwananchi movement as political parties and alliances position themselves ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
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