Siaya Governor and Linda Mwananchi leader James Orengo has issued a stern warning to the National Police Service (NPS) ahead of the movement’s planned rally in Homa Bay County on Sunday, August 16.
Orengo has called on police officers to provide maximum security to Linda Mwananchi supporters and protect their property during the rally, warning that officers who fail to uphold their constitutional duty could face legal consequences.
Speaking at his Milimani residence in Kisumu on Thursday, August 13, Orengo said police officers have a constitutional obligation to protect citizens and their rights, regardless of political directives.
“I am telling policemen that we are not afraid. If you cannot protect our rights under the Constitution, then you are part of the problem and your time will come,” Orengo said.
He further warned that officers who fail to provide security during the Homa Bay rally could eventually face prosecution, making a reference to The Hague.
“If you do not protect the rally that we are going to have in Homa Bay on Sunday, on the 17th and 18th something will happen. You will end up at The Hague, and if you are taken there, Ruto will not be there,” he added.
Orengo spoke while holding a meeting with a delegation from Homa Bay and Migori as part of preparations for the rally, which he vowed would proceed despite any attempts to stop it.
The governor claimed the Linda Mwananchi leadership was aware of plans allegedly being made to disrupt the gathering, but insisted the movement remained determined to hold the event.
“Great engaging with the vibrant Linda Mwananchi delegates from Homa Bay and Migori today. We had powerful conversations on our shared struggle for the ordinary citizen. The team has guaranteed maximum security and seamless organisation. We are fully locked and loaded for a historic Homa Bay Rally this Sunday, August 16th,” Orengo said.
“The resolve is firm. The people are ready,” he added.
Orengo also turned his guns on President William Ruto, accusing him of portraying himself as a close friend of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga while allegedly working to weaken his political party.
He said Raila’s political legacy could not be found in the broad-based government, arguing that it belonged with the Linda Mwananchi movement.
Orengo further accused Ruto of taking Raila “home with a wheelbarrow”, declaring that he would instead take back home the head of state alive so that he could live with his people.
“I will take you back home in Sugoi alive so that you live with your people,” Orengo said.
He also vowed to register and launch the political party associated with the movement.
Orengo went further to dismiss Ruto’s national leadership credentials, describing him as a regional leader rather than a president capable of uniting all Kenyans.
He said Linda Mwananchi would seek to produce a president committed to protecting the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
According to Orengo, the movement’s ultimate goal is to install a leader who will govern in the interests of all Kenyans, regardless of their region or political affiliation.
The Homa Bay rally is expected to be a major test for Linda Mwananchi as the movement seeks to consolidate support and expand its political presence in the region.
