Siaya Governor James Orengo has accused the government of sponsoring violence through hired goons, warning that Kenya risks sliding into political instability similar to Haiti and Tanzania if the situation is not addressed ahead of the next General Election.
Speaking while calling for peaceful demonstrations scheduled for June 25 to commemorate victims of the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests, Orengo urged Kenyans to turn out in large numbers but remain calm, insisting that demonstrations must stay non-violent.
He said past protests began peacefully but were later infiltrated, resulting in chaos and confrontation.
Orengo further claimed that elements linked to the state were responsible for funding groups used to disrupt public gatherings and intimidate citizens, adding that he had personally been affected by violence.
“Even me, I’ve been a victim of goons. Just the other day when I was going to Homa Bay, my convoy was attacked,” he claimed.
He further alleged that violence during public protests is being enabled and financed from within the state.
“It is quite clear, it is irrefutable that those who are being used as goons are essentially funded by the state,” he said, calling on the Inspector General of Police and the Interior Ministry to account for the incidents.
The governor warned that unchecked violence could threaten Kenya’s democratic future, stating, “An election held with violence cannot result in a democratically elected government,” and cautioned that the country could “easily go the way of Haiti” if the trend continues.
At the same time, he appealed for calm during the upcoming protests, saying they should honour victims, especially bereaved families. “This is for the mothers who lost their children,” he said.
On the Finance Bill 2026, Orengo thanked MPs who opposed it, noting that many legislators were absent during the vote.
He urged President William Ruto to reconsider assenting to the Finance Bill 2026 and instead return it to Parliament for fresh and proper debate, saying the process required fuller representation and accountability.
