Siaya Governor James Orengo and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi have accused the government of sponsoring goons to disrupt a planned opposition rally in Kakamega, escalating political tensions ahead of the meeting scheduled for Saturday.
Addressing journalists in Kisumu, the two leaders alleged that youths had been mobilised and paid to interfere with the Linda Mwanainchi gathering, claiming one of their trucks heading to the venue had already been attacked.
“We have witnessed state-sponsored goons. People are being mobilised to interfere with the rally tomorrow,” Orengo said, adding that the plans were being executed by senior people in government.
The governor warned that if any violence occurs during the rally, they would hold President Dr. William Ruto personally responsible, citing his constitutional duty to protect life, property and uphold the Constitution.
“We will not go for the Inspector General. We will go for that ultimate office required to preside over maintenance of law and order,” Orengo added.
On his part, Osotsi, who is also the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) deputy party leader, said organisers had formally notified the police about the rally and received approval.
“We have credible evidence that some senior government officials have been organising youth to be taken to Kakamega this evening and tomorrow to stop the Linda Mwanainchi meeting,” Osotsi said, accusing the government of panic over the opposition’s mobilisation drive.
He further named Governor Fernandez Baraza and Interior Principal Secretary (PS) Dr. Raymond Omollo as alleged conspirators in the scheme, claiming that the two leaders were dishing out money to goons to disrupt the rally.
The leaders maintained that the rally would proceed as planned and urged supporters from across the country to attend, describing it as a game changer.
The accusations come amid simmering tensions within ODM over its cooperation framework with President Ruto’s UDA, anchored on a 10-point agenda signed between the president and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Orengo criticised what he termed as attempts by some elements within ODM to abandon the party’s principles and the 10-point memorandum of understanding, arguing that the agenda was about safeguarding the interests of Kenyans rather than advancing a broad-based government.
He expressed doubt that the 10-point agenda would be implemented before its March 7 deadline, saying the timeline was too short to realise the proposed reforms.
By Chris Mahandara
