Orengo, Sifuna dismiss rift claims in Linda Mwananchi movement
James Orengo and Edwin Sifuna went to St Stephen ACK Church in Kisumu to convince Kenyans that the two of them are not fighting about who controls Linda Mwanainchi group. If that was their problem, why take it to church where people are having their peaceful prayers and bring your own goons there to fight and kill people.
Why couldn’t Orengo and Sifuna just call a press conference and try to convince each other that they are not fighting for power within the Linda political group.
Why couldn’t James Orengo the Siaya County Governor who is never seen anywhere in Siaya County take Edwin Sifuna to his governor office in Siaya and hold a meeting there assuming James Orengo actually has an office in Siaya County. I am willing to give Orengo a map to show him where Siaya County is and hopefully he can get there on his own or ask for help to get there and look inside his office at least once in the last one year.
In media reports, the leaders insisted that the team remains united, formidable, and committed to defending the interests of ordinary Kenyans.
Speaking during a service at St Stephen ACK Church in Kisumu, the two leaders said reports that the movement was falling apart were politically motivated and urged supporters to ignore them.
Orengo said the Linda Mwananchi movement would not be broken by either internal or external forces.
“Linda Mwananchi will never be divided. We want to put to shame those who say otherwise. We are walking together and shall never be divided. We are here with my brother Edwin Sifuna in Kisumu to prove them wrong,” he said.
The governor also dismissed claims that the “Linda Mwananchi ship” was sinking, saying the movement remained focused on justice, accountability, and protecting the interests of ordinary Kenyans.
Sifuna echoed Orengo’s sentiments, maintaining that the Linda Mwananchi movement remained united despite the political turbulence.
“There is no division in Linda Mwananchi. We will continue walking this journey together. We must remain united no matter what. Let no one deceive you,” he said.
Sifuna thanked Orengo for standing by him and said they would continue working together to champion accountable leadership and defend the rights of wananchi.
Motorbikes burnt as suspected goons disrupt Orengo, Sifuna event in Kisumu
Motorbikes engulfed in flames following the disruption of an event attended by James Orengo and Edwin Sifuna on Sunday, July 12, 2026.
Motorbikes were torched following the disruption of an event attended by Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna and Siaya governor James Orengo, as political tensions continued to rise ahead of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.
The incident unfolded hours after the two opposition leaders attended a church service at St Joseph’s Catholic Cathedral in Kisumu, where they reaffirmed unity within the Linda Mwananchi movement and dismissed claims of internal divisions.
Videos and photos later shared online showed several motorbikes engulfed in flames after confrontations linked to the day’s political activities.
Reacting to the incident, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino claimed that people who had allegedly been sent to attack Orengo and Sifuna had suffered the consequences of their actions.
Posting on his official X account, Babu wrote:
“Goon-lets who were sent to attack Orengo and Sifuna have learnt their lessons the hard way. This is the consequence of their actions. Their motorbikes have been burnt to ashes.”
The MP also criticised the police, arguing that supporters would continue protecting themselves if security agencies failed to guarantee their safety.
“We will continue defending ourselves if the police can’t defend us. The consequences are better imagined than experienced,” he added.
Babu Owino one of the kingpins of the Linda Mwanainchi group is publicly announcing to Kenyans that they sent their own goons to the Kisumu Church to burn motor bikes and other property and that to him is their self-defense which means these guys are ready to bring civil war in the country to achieve their goals whatever that maybe.
If these politicians want civil war for themselves why not take those wars to their offices and homes instead of bringing chaos in churches and markets where Kenyans are doing their own business. Leave Kenyans alone and do your violent politics elsewhere. Please, if you don’t mind.
This goon versus goon violence killing civilians cannot be accepted in the country anymore.
One killed, eight arrested after violent clashes in Kisumu, Police say
The National Police Service (NPS) has confirmed that one person was killed, several others injured and nine motorcycles torched during violent clashes in Kisumu on Sunday, as eight suspects were arrested in a crackdown on the unrest.
In a statement, NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said the violence erupted after a confrontation between two rival groups, prompting a swift police response.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that, in Kisumu City, a violent confrontation between two opposing groups resulted in the death of one person, several injuries, the torching of nine motorcycles and damage to a police vehicle. Following swift police intervention, eight suspects were arrested and placed in custody pending arraignment in court. Efforts to identify and apprehend other individuals involved are ongoing.”
Kisumu declares war on gangs after deadly Milimani violence claims 2 lives
“We spend our nights negotiating with investors, creating the conditions for employment and enterprise, yet some among our youth allow themselves to be bought for a pittance to burn, intimidate, and destroy the very future we are trying to construct for them.“
Kisumu County has announced an intensified crackdown on organised criminal gangs following a deadly clash in the Milimani area that left two young men dead, with authorities warning that those behind the violence, including financiers and political sponsors, will face the full force of the law.
In a statement issued on Monday, July 13, 2026, the County Security Committee, co-chaired by Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, said the violence witnessed on Sunday was not an isolated act of youthful indiscipline but organised criminal activity that posed a serious threat to public safety, economic development and the rule of law.
The committee confirmed that eight suspects arrested in connection with the incident were expected to be arraigned in court, while investigations continue to identify and apprehend other individuals linked to the violence.
Two killed in violent confrontation
According to the county government, two organised criminal groups engaged in a violent confrontation within Kisumu City on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of two young men.
“The County Security Committee has resolved that organised criminal activity will be confronted with the full force of the law. What occurred in Milimani was organised criminal conduct, and it will be investigated and prosecuted accordingly,” the statement read.
Adongo Ogony is a Human Rights Activist and a Writer who lives in Toronto, Canada
