A story is told of how a Luo Nyanza Member of Parliament went on hunger strike after being denied access to Siaya Senator James Orengo.
On 13 October 2002, then Rangwe lawmaker Shem Ochuodho began his hunger strike at the Kodiaga Prison in Kisumu where he had been sent on a 3 year jail term in protest for being allowed access to Orengo.
Orengo, then the Gem lawmaker was his lawyer in his assault case dating back to 1997.
Ochuodho had a few days prior been found guilty of assaulting his KANU opponent Philgona Okundi in the 1997 general polls, and handed a two year jail term by the Kisumu High Court.
In addition, Ochuodho and four supporters were given an additional one year for setting the candidate's vehicle on fire, and causing damage worth Sh400, 000 to another vehicle.
Ochuodho was also to serve three years for carrying illegal weapons, but the terms would run concurrently meaning the latter would only spend two years in jail.
He was also denied access to his other lawyer Enock Magara, and the situation would worsen when the warders refused his request for supply of glucose from outside even after he was moved to Homabay prison.
Though his wife managed to procure what he wanted from a local canteen, the warders would not allow it through.
His detention would later spark protests from religious leaders and opposition politicians in the region.
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