Goons Burn Gov. James Orengo’s Car in Awendo, Migori County As Political Tensions Rise

Siaya Governor James Orengo has condemned an attack on his convoy after his car was torched in Awendo, Migori County, amid rising political tensions in the Nyanza region.

Orengo said the incident occurred on Saturday, August 29, 2026, during his political engagements in Migori. He claimed that live bullets were fired at his vehicle before it was set ablaze by unknown assailants.

The governor’s rally in Migori Town had earlier been disrupted by tear gas, forcing him to retreat into his vehicle as police lobbed canisters into the crowd. Video from the scene showed Orengo quickly getting back into his car before it sped away, with his convoy and several motorbikes following closely behind.

Orengo later posted a photo of what he said was his burnt vehicle, accusing his attackers of attempting to intimidate him and derail the political movement he is part of.

“They swore we’d never step foot in Migori. They failed,” he said. In a separate statement, he added: “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 insisted the attack would not deter him or the movement. “You can’t burn down a movement, and you will never intimidate me,” he said.

The incident comes barely two weeks after activities linked to the Linda Mwananchi movement were violently disrupted in Homa Bay. During that tour, the movement reported attacks in Ndhiwa, blocked roads, stone throwing, and the torching of vehicles. The group also claimed that the disruptions resulted in deaths and injuries.