Siaya Governor James Orengo has launched a scathing attack on President William Ruto’s administration, accusing it of using the criminal justice system to intimidate government critics and silence dissent.
Speaking to journalists outside the Milimani Law Courts in Kisumu on Tuesday, Orengo claimed that no amount of intimidation or fear would deter the opposition from pursuing justice for Kenyans.
The governor, who appeared in court to represent eight Linda Wananchi supporters facing criminal charges, alleged that the government was manipulating legal processes to target its political opponents.
According to Orengo, the suspects were served with fresh warrants of arrest after they had already been released by the same court on Monday, a move he described as an abuse of the justice system.
“The Ruto regime’s weaponization of the criminal justice system is a desperate attempt to silence the voice of the people. Sneaking warrant of arrest orders into court without notice won’t break our resolve. This cowardice will not intimidate us,” Orengo said.
During the court proceedings, Orengo urged the court to grant the accused affordable cash bail, arguing that imposing excessive bond terms would effectively amount to denying them their constitutional right to bail.
He maintained that bail conditions should be reasonable and within the financial reach of the accused, insisting that justice should not be determined by one’s economic status.
The Siaya governor further declared that the current administration’s alleged persecution of its critics would come to an end through the ballot.
“Today, I stood in court to defend the eight Linda Wananchi supporters targeted by this regime. We challenged their underhanded tactics and fought for justice while awaiting the ruling for the two who appeared on Friday. This reign of persecution ends on August 10, 2027,” he said.
The eight Linda Wananchi supporters are facing charges linked to alleged chaos at ACK St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Milimani, Kisumu, an incident that reportedly resulted in the deaths of two people.
The case remains before the court.
