ORENGO’S CAR TORCHED IN AWENDO, MIGORI COUNTY

Political tension in the Nyanza region escalated sharply on Saturday, August 29th, after Siaya Governor James Orengo reported that his car was torched in Awendo, Migori County, during his political activities in the area.

Orengo says the attack happened as he attended a rally in Migori, claiming live bullets were fired at his vehicle before it was set ablaze by unknown individuals.

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

Later, Orengo posted a photo of what he said was his burnt car, accusing his attackers of attempting to intimidate him and derail the political movement he is part of. He said, “They swore we’d never step foot in Migori. They failed.” 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 stop the movement, saying, “You can’t burn down a movement, and you will never intimidate me.”

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

Security agencies have yet to issue a detailed statement on the Awendo attack, but the incident has intensified calls for heightened protection of political leaders and supporters as tensions continue to rise across the region.