BY GEOFREY KASERA: Siaya Governor James Orengo has called on the Judiciary and police to track down and prosecute the politicians who allegedly hired goons to disrupt a recent church fundraising event attended by himself and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.

Speaking in Kisumu after securing the unconditional release of several youths arrested following the incident, the Siaya County chief maintained that the individuals taken into custody were completely innocent bystanders.

“From what I have established, these youths who were arrested are completely innocent. In fact, one of them was arrested simply for wearing a T-shirt written ‘Warembo na Orengo’,” the governor revealed.

“Another was arrested for wearing a T-shirt with ‘Raila Odinga’ printed on it, while another had ‘Mimi Ndio Sifuna’ on his shirt. The police must do their work diligently and avoid these side shows,” he added.

Kisumu has become a safe haven for hired goons

Reflecting on recent public engagements held across Western Kenya under the ‘Linda Mwananchi’ movement, Orengo singled out Kisumu as the primary hotspot for political violence and sponsored disruptions.

“Let the police conduct a thorough investigation into what actually happened in Kisumu and establish the clear link between certain local leaders and these hired goons,” Orengo urged.

One-Term Ruto is real

Turning to national politics, the Siaya Governor expressed confidence that the political ground in Western Kenya has shifted, predicting that President William Ruto will face a tough road to re-election.

“From what I witnessed across Western Kenya, I can tell you that a one-term presidency for William Ruto is very real. The journey back to Sugoi is imminent,” Orengo declared.

Concurring with Orengo’s concerns over the arrests, former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo criticized the court system, faulting the Judiciary for displaying partiality in how justice was meted out to the detained youths.