By Valentine Omondi
The last weekend expose by KTN and the Standard newspaper on the violence that rocked the recent Linda Mwananchi rally received a mixed reaction.
While Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga hit back at KTN and The Standard over an investigation into the violence that rocked Homa Bay during the August 16 Linda Mwananchi rally, accusing the media outlets of airing and publishing fabricated, unverified and prejudicial allegations against her.
But Linda Mwananchi luminary and Siaya Governor James Orengo said the truth was finally out in the open and demanded the government to act on the plotters of the violence.
Wanga formally wrote to the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) to complain and challenge the expose by KTN broadcast aired on Sunday, September 6, and a Standard newspaper report published on Monday, September 7, over their coverage of the chaos that erupted when opposition leaders led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna visited Homa Bay.
In her complaint, the governor said her objection was not to legitimate media scrutiny but to what she described as a failure by the media outlets to verify serious allegations and give her administration adequate opportunity to respond.
She has asked the Media Council to review the reports against the Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism and direct KTN and The Standard to issue what she termed an immediate and prominent retraction and unconditional apology.
Orengo: “Finally, the truth has come out”
Orengo welcomed the revelations contained in the KTN expose, saying his name had repeatedly been dragged into the controversy before the latest revelations emerged.
“They used to call my name every now and then, finally the truth has come out,” Orengo said.
Orengo also pointed to his long history in Kenya’s political struggles, saying he had personally paid a price for his involvement in the country’s political affairs.
“I’ve fought for this nation for a longer time now and I’ve scars on my body for that,” he said.
His remarks add another layer to the growing political dispute, with Orengo appearing to suggest that the investigation had helped answer questions that had previously been directed at him.
KTN investigation revisits August 16 chaos
Wanga’s response comes a day after KTN aired an investigative report titled “Homa Bay Bloody Hands: The Untold Story Behind the August 16 Violence.”
The investigation revisited the events surrounding the violence, examining how groups of youths were allegedly mobilised before the Linda Mwananchi rally and the events that followed as the political gathering descended into chaos.
The violence left people dead and dozens injured, while vehicles and property were damaged. Earlier reporting on the incident also documented attacks that extended beyond the rally, including damage to a church and a hospital.
The investigation examined alleged networks involved in mobilising the youths and mentioned several political figures, including Governor Wanga and Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma.
The KTN investigation also featured Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma in a hidden-camera recording, where he made allegations against a senior police officer over the events surrounding the August 16 chaos. Kaluma was also questioned about Abdi Guyo, with his account appearing to differ from other details presented in the investigation, raising further questions about what he knew about the individuals allegedly linked to the violence.
The revelations add another layer to the controversy surrounding the Homa Bay clashes, with the identities of those involved, their alleged links to political actors and the role of security officials remaining subjects of scrutiny.
The allegations remain allegations, and neither Wanga nor Kaluma has been convicted of organising the violence.
Wanga disputes report as Kaluma enters the political fallout
Wanga has particularly challenged the portrayal of her administration in the reports, arguing that the coverage created a false impression of her role in the violence.
She also questioned the use by The Standard of a photograph showing a man wielding a machete, claiming that the individual was a Siaya County employee and arguing that his presence raised questions about the involvement of people from outside Homa Bay.
Meanwhile, Kaluma has also featured in the political fallout surrounding the August 16 violence, with accusations and counter-accusations emerging over who was responsible for the mobilisation of youths and the ensuing chaos.
The confrontation has reopened questions about political violence in Homa Bay ahead of the 2027 General Election, with the August 16 incident already having triggered demands for investigations and accountability.
Wanga’s complaint now puts the spotlight on the Media Council, which will be expected to consider whether the KTN and Standard reports met the required standards of accuracy, fairness, verification and the right of reply.
