NAIROBI, 18th August 2026 – Homa Bay Town MP Opondo Kaluma has accused former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua of financing violence that marred the Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay County on Sunday, 16th August 2026.
Speaking at Parliament Buildings on Tuesday alongside ODM legislators, Kaluma called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of Siaya Governor James Orengo, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Suba South MP Caroli Omondi and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna over the skirmishes.
“On 14th August, 2026 at night, Sh100 million was delivered to Governor Orengo’s home in Ugenya, Siaya from President Uhuru Kenyatta. On 15th August, 2026, the money was transported to Governor Orengo’s house in Milimani Estate, Kisumu,” Kaluma alleged.
He further claimed that one Oliver Jaoko alias “Olivetti,” described as commander of Orengo and Babu’s security, and an individual identified as Morara, said to be Gachagua’s guard, “commanded hired thugs and hardcore criminals who meted violence on the people of Homa Bay on 16th August, 2026.”
Kaluma accused the Linda Mwananchi leadership of holding three previous meetings in Homa Bay where they allegedly made threats and moved with armed individuals. He said ahead of Sunday’s rally, the organizers recruited youths and students with promises of Sh3,000 each and booked suspected goons in hotels across Homa Bay Town.
According to him, police on 15th August intercepted vehicles carrying suspected criminals headed to Homa Bay from Kisumu and recovered crude weapons.
“The gang leader named Olivetti escaped through the window of the vehicle,” he said as he shared the list of indiviuals and vehicles used.
Detailing events of Sunday, Kaluma said the Linda Mwananchi team arrived in Homa Bay Town at around 7pm amid high tension. He said he had advised the County Police Commander to divert the convoy out of town, “noting the town was too crowded, tension was high and it was dark.”
“Against my advice, police who were in several land cruisers and police lorries escorting the Linda Mwananchi team cleared the way for them through town,” he alleged.
Kaluma further alleged that throughout the rally, the team “had full support and were escorted by lorries and land cruisers of police including GSU officers.”
Kaluma claimed that Brian Weke “met the regional Police Commandant on 16th and passed to her Sh5 million for full police support.”
The MP demanded adequate security for Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, saying “the thugs had instructions from their principals to kill her on 16th August, 2026. Her life remains under grim danger and threat.”
He also called for the immediate transfer of the Nyanza Regional Police Commander and officers accused of aiding the violence, and the arrest of all individuals named.
“I want to thank our people for keeping peace against provocation and incitement to violence,”Kaluma said. “We demand the immediate arrest of all the listed thugs and criminals Governor James Orengo, Babu Owino and Edwin Sifuna used to harm our people.”
As at of the time of going to press, police have not commented on the allegations.
Kaluma is just insane and a big lie to the public . Your instructions to the goons was so clear. Carry your own cross jatelo.