Jakakimba condemns violence against Orengo, warns against political intolerance in Homa Bay

The Unite Democratic Alliance (UDA) Homa Bay Secretary Silas Jakakimba has condemned the violence witnessed during Siaya Governor James Orengo's political tour of Homa Bay County on Friday, warning against what he described as an emerging culture of political intolerance.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Jakakimba said he had followed reports of the clashes that occurred in Mbita Point and called for restraint among political actors.

"My attention has been drawn to extremely sad occurrences that took place yesterday in Mbita Point, the headquarters of Suba North Constituency," he said.

The former aide to ODM leader Raila Odinga said violence and intimidation have no place in modern politics, urging leaders to compete through ideas and development agendas rather than confrontation.

"I'd wish to categorically state that political intolerance and violence of whatever nature, from whichever quarters, is both illegal and outdated in these modern times where leaders must root for and forge political competition purely premised on leveraging of better ideas that can effectively bring development dividends to positively change the livelihoods of our people," he stated.

His remarks come a day after Orengo accused Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and State agencies of failing to prevent a series of attacks on his convoy during rallies in Mbita, Rusinga and Sindo. Orengo claimed several vehicles were damaged and members of his team injured in the incidents.

Without directly addressing the allegations made by Orengo against specific leaders, Jakakimba condemned what he termed an emerging trend of intolerance in the region.

"I therefore urge for extreme restraint from all actors in the ensuing political terrains, and take this earliest opportunity to condemn in the strongest terms possibly conceivable, what seems like an emerging culture of intolerance," he said.

Jakakimba, who is seeking the Suba North parliamentary seat in 2027, also invoked the constituency's political history, saying residents have traditionally embraced peaceful political competition despite intense electoral contests.

"I have aggressively offered ground support to the current MP my Big Sister Millie Mabona, in her successive electoral contests. One thing has been clear — Suba North Constituency does not and will never accommodate politics of intolerance," he said.

In a strongly worded statement issued after the incidents, Orengo said his convoy came under attack shortly after arriving in Mbita, where assailants allegedly damaged vehicles and targeted members of his entourage.

"The trouble began the moment our ferry docked at Mbita, where an organized group of goons targeted my motorcade, smashing my vehicle's windscreen and damaging several other fleet cars," Orengo said.

The Siaya Governor claimed that despite the attacks, he proceeded with rallies in Mbita Town, Rusinga Island and Sindo in Suba South Constituency.

According to Orengo, violence escalated as his team moved through the county, with roads allegedly blocked using burning tyres and stones thrown at his convoy.

"As we proceeded to Sindo in Suba South, the desperation of our detractors intensified. Roadblocks of burning tyres were erected, stones were pelted at us, and a dedicated member of our team, Cvilizer Aran, was brutally attacked," he stated.