This was not spontaneous chaos. It was organised intolerance aimed at stopping the Linda Mwananchi caravan led by James Orengo, Edwin Sifuna and Babu Owino from speaking to the people.
What shame. In the land of Raila Odinga, where political struggle once meant sacrifice for democracy, local leaders allegedly mobilised thugs instead of ideas.
While Ol Kalou received boats and development gestures, Homa Bay was offered stones and death threats. Babu Owino captured it perfectly: where others get progress, Nyanza youth are handed weapons
This violence exposes the bankruptcy of the current crop claiming the Luo mantle. They fear open debate because they have nothing left to offer beyond power preservation and alignment with the state.
True leadership does not barricade roads or raid hospitals hunting opponents. It engages, persuades and delivers.
Babu Owino stood firm amid the threats. He warned of the planned bloodshed days earlier, defied the blockade, and spoke directly to the people in Nyandiwa and Sindo. His message resonated: the power of the people is stronger than those in power.
For years analysts have noted that the larger share of Raila’s grassroots Luo influence has shifted to Babu. The Homa Bay shame confirms it.
The old guard resorts to goons because they cannot compete with his energy, courage and connection to the youth.
Luo Nyanza does not need more gatekeepers protecting personal fiefdoms. It needs a leader who refuses to trade the people’s dignity for temporary comfort. Babu Owino is that leader.
The violence in Homa Bay did not stop him. It only proved why he remains the only one left standing for the community’s future.
