In a strongly worded statement issued on Tuesday night, Orengo claimed that Evance “Kidero Jasuba” Kawala was allegedly taken by state operatives for criticising the government and speaking openly on national issues.
According to the governor, Kawala is a vocal member and defender of the Jacaranda Bunge La Mwananchi forum, a public platform known for political discussions and civic engagement.
“Tonight, the Ruto administration resorted to desperate measures by abducting Evance ‘Kidero Jasuba’ Kawala, a vocal champion of the Jacaranda Bunge La Mwananchi, simply for speaking truth to power,” Orengo stated.
The veteran politician condemned the alleged incident, describing it as an attack on freedom of expression and democratic space in the country. He further urged supporters of the Bunge La Mwananchi movement to remain united and steadfast as efforts to trace Kawala continue.
“To the Bunge La Mwananchi family: stay firm. We are actively on this case and will see it through to the end,” he added.
Orengo also criticised what he termed as growing intolerance toward dissenting voices, arguing that suppression of critics reflects weakness within leadership rather than strength.
“Oppression only signals a government's weakness. You can abduct a critic, but you cannot chain the spirit of defiance,” he said.
The governor demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the activist, even as concerns continue to rise over reported cases of enforced disappearances and arrests of government critics in recent months.
By Tuesday night, government agencies had not publicly responded to Orengo’s allegations, and the whereabouts of Kawala remained unclear.
The claims are likely to intensify debate over civil liberties and political freedoms in the country, especially amid heightened political tensions and increased criticism directed at the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Bunge La Mwananchi forums, particularly the Jacaranda chapter in Nairobi, have over the years become influential spaces where ordinary citizens gather to debate governance, economic challenges and public policy issues affecting Kenyans.