Homa Bay violence sparks Migori jitters

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

Only a week after clashes between supporters of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the Linda Mwananchi Movement left two people dead and several others injured in Homa Bay County, concerns are growing that political tensions could spill over into neighbouring Migori County.

Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko has, over the past three days, issued repeated warnings about a planned visit to the county by Siaya Governor James Orengo and other Linda Mwananchi leaders.

Speaking in Migori, Mr Ayacko cautioned that the visit could heighten tensions in the county, while stressing that his priority was to maintain peace.

His remarks come against the backdrop of the violence witnessed in Homa Bay on August 16, when clashes and disorder disrupted the movement’s planned activities.

Mr Orengo, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino are among leaders associated with the Linda Mwananchi campaign. Mr Orengo has indicated on social media that the group plans to visit parts of South Nyanza, including Homa Bay and Migori, in the coming days.

The developments have raised concerns over whether the political contest between rival groups could trigger fresh confrontations in the region.

During the group’s last visit to Homa Bay, its leaders managed to address residents in Suba South Constituency, where they held meetings in Nyandiwa and Sindo.

However, plans to hold a meeting in Homa Bay Town were abandoned after the group arrived after sunset and encountered a hostile reception. The ensuing disorder resulted in deaths and destruction of property.

Those who died included a police officer and a female trader who was struck by a vehicle during the chaos.

As investigations into the Homa Bay incidents continue, leaders who have been mentioned in connection with the unrest have denied any involvement, while calling for restraint.

Mr Ayacko has nevertheless maintained that Mr Orengo's planned visit to Migori could create unnecessary tension.

Speaking during a funds drive at Migori Teachers Training College, the governor said political leaders should consult local stakeholders before holding rallies in areas where tensions are high.

“Orengo had vowed to get to Homa Bay no matter what happened. His visit without invitation from local leaders and without ground support was the genesis of the problem that was witnessed,” Mr Ayacko said.

He questioned whether residents would welcome Mr Orengo to Migori, with the crowd responding negatively when asked whether they wanted the Siaya governor to visit.

Mr Ayacko said his administration was focused on development priorities, including road infrastructure, and urged political actors to avoid actions that could disrupt peace.

“The most important thing is for peace to prevail. But from the look of things, something is likely to happen to Orengo,” he said.

The governor's comments echo concerns previously raised by some Homa Bay leaders before the August 16 rally, although those earlier warnings have since come under scrutiny following the violence.

ODM party leader Oburu Oginga visited Homa Bay on Wednesday last week but did not comment on the violence.

He had accompanied the Senate Standing Committee on Energy, which visited the Ndere and Maroo sites in Ndhiwa to assess the implementation and impact of the Last Mile Connectivity Project.

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has distanced herself from allegations linking her to the unrest and urged law enforcement agencies to investigate and take action against anyone found culpable.

Ms Wanga said her name had been unfairly drawn into the controversy and pointed to her long political career without incidents of violence associated with her campaigns.

“I have never had a single incident where violence is associated with my campaign. It is something we cannot start now,” the ODM chairperson said.

She called for restraint among both youths and visiting politicians.

Former Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwang warned that continued political violence in the county could have wider political consequences ahead of the 2027 General Election.

He said the unrest could also undermine the image of President William Ruto, particularly if leaders aligned to his administration were perceived to be involved in political confrontations.

Dr Ruto is seeking to consolidate support in Nyanza ahead of the 2027 election and has launched several development projects in the region, which his administration has highlighted as part of its development agenda.

Some local leaders have publicly opposed political campaigns aimed at challenging the President.

Mr Magwang urged residents to reject political violence and called on leaders to compete through ideas and peaceful mobilisation.

He warned that repeated confrontations could damage Homa Bay's reputation and undermine development efforts.

The former Kasipul MP also warned that political violence could slow development in the region, leaving residents to bear the consequences of political divisions long after the campaigns are over.

Reporting originally appeared via Nation Africa. Read the full source for additional context.