NAIROBI, Kenya- Wiper Patriotic Front Leader Kalonzo Musyoka says he and other opposition leaders were attacked by suspected goons and exposed to police tear gas during a series of political rallies in Migori County.
In a statement issued on Wednesday evening, Kalonzo said the incidents occurred as opposition leaders continued their scheduled public engagements under the Ukombozi Tour.
The former Vice-President said the group had gone to meet residents and discuss issues affecting Kenyans and the country’s political future when the rallies were disrupted.
Kalonzo described the reported attacks as acts of political intolerance and said they infringed on citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly, freedom of expression and political participation.
“No Kenyan should be subjected to violence, harassment or intimidation for exercising their democratic rights,” he said.
Call for investigations
The Wiper leader criticised the reported use of tear gas against people attending the political gatherings, saying security agencies should protect citizens rather than intimidate them.
He also condemned the involvement of suspected goons in disrupting the meetings and called for investigations to identify those behind the incidents.
“The leaders also condemned the involvement of goons in disrupting political meetings, calling upon security agencies to investigate the incidents, identify those responsible and ensure that appropriate action is taken,” the statement said.
The statement did not identify the suspected attackers, give details of any injuries or provide an account from the police on the circumstances leading to the reported use of tear gas.
It was not immediately possible to independently establish the full circumstances surrounding the disruptions.
Kalonzo said the opposition would not be deterred from its nationwide public engagements by violence or intimidation, maintaining that its campaign activities would continue.
The Wiper Patriotic Front urged the National Police Service and other security agencies to exercise restraint and guarantee the safety of Kenyans regardless of political affiliation.
Migori leg of Ukombozi Tour
The incident came as Kalonzo began a two-day Ukombozi Tour of Migori and Homa Bay counties, part of a wider opposition push to mobilise support ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The Migori programme was scheduled to include stops in Ntimaru and Kehancha in Kuria before a main public rally at Posta Grounds in Migori town.
Kalonzo and his delegation are expected to proceed to Homa Bay on Friday, with engagements planned at the Tom Mboya Mausoleum, Oyugis and Kendu Bay.
Kalonzo had earlier described Luo Nyanza as his second political home as he arrived in Kisumu for the tour, which has drawn senior opposition figures including former Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa, former Attorney General Justin Muturi and former Jubilee Secretary-General Raphael Tuju.
The tour is aimed at widening Kalonzo’s political support in a region historically associated with the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and ODM politics.
It also comes as opposition leaders continue consultations on a possible joint candidate to challenge President William Ruto in 2027.
Kalonzo said political differences must never be used to justify violence, urging authorities to uphold the Constitution and protect peaceful political engagement across the country.
