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.
Linda Mwananchi Brigade in Nyandiwa, Homa Bay County, on August 16, 2026 during their rally.
Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo | Nation Media Group
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.
Shells of torched vehicles in Homa Bay a day after a Linda Mwananchi rally turned violent.
Photo credit: NMG
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.
Migori County Governor Ochilo Ayacko when he appeared before the County Public Accounts Committee at KICC in Nairobi on Wednesday.
Photo credit: Dennis Onsongo | Nation Media Group
“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.
ODM national chairperson Gladys Wanga speaks during a public meeting at Anding’o Primary School in Kabondo Kasipul on August 5, 2026. She called for peace ahead of Linda Mwananchi rally in the region.
Photo credit: George Odiwuor | Nation Media Group
“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.
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.
President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi, May 10, 2026.
Photo credit: Reuters
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.
