HOMA BAY, Kenya- Leaders allied to the Linda Mwananchi movement have accused Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma of being behind the violence that disrupted their political activities in the county on Sunday.
The accusations came a day after a Linda Mwananchi delegation led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna toured Homa Bay, where supporters and leaders reported attacks, road blockades and destruction of property.
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has since condemned the violence and called for investigations.
Speaking after the incidents, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi said leaders had raised concerns about the mobilisation ahead of the visit but accused the government of failing to prevent the violence.
“Last week, we raised concerns about the kind of mobilization that was being done by Gladys Wanga and Kaluma,” Osotsi said.
He also accused the government of sponsoring goons, alleging that some of those involved were armed with tear gas and guns.
“We are lucky we are alive,” he said.
Caroli Omondi accuses Ruto
Suba South MP Caroli Omondi went further, accusing President William Ruto’s administration and sections of the ODM leadership of planning the violence.
Omondi alleged that the violence was “conceptualized, planned, financed, supervised and executed” in the name of President Ruto and ODM.
He also pointed to previous statements by Wanga, Kaluma and MCA Ogindo, claiming they had indicated that Linda Mwananchi would not be allowed to campaign in Homa Bay.
Omondi questioned why President Ruto had not publicly condemned the violence.
The allegations have not been independently established.
Babu Owino attacks Wanga and Kaluma
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino accused local leaders of using violence to frustrate the Linda Mwananchi movement.
“You can block roads, but you can never block the determination of the people,” Owino said.
He accused unnamed goons of attacking Linda Mwananchi supporters and claimed some people had been killed during the confrontation.
Owino also directly targeted Governor Wanga, accusing her of allowing violence against residents of Homa Bay.
He further warned Kaluma that he would lose his parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Election.
The claims come amid heightened political competition within ODM, with the Sifuna-led Linda Mwananchi faction increasingly challenging the party’s current political direction.
Orengo blames Kenya Kwanza
Siaya Governor James Orengo said the Linda Mwananchi movement had held peaceful rallies in other parts of the country but faced disruption when, according to him, Kenya Kwanza-linked actors interfered.
“I think it is on record that everywhere we have gone as Linda Mwananchi, across the country, there has been peace except when there is interference by the Kenya Kwanza government,” Orengo said.
The Linda Mwananchi team managed to hold rallies in several parts of Homa Bay despite road blockades and confrontations reported along their route.
Faith Odhiambo demands arrests
Lawyer and former Law Society of Kenya president Faith Odhiambo accused the government of using what she described as “state-hired terrorists” to target Linda Mwananchi supporters.
She called for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the violence.
Meanwhile, political activist Pauline Njoroge demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of Wanga and Kaluma, accusing them of making inflammatory statements that allegedly encouraged attacks against the Linda Mwananchi team.
Njoroge also called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to consider disqualifying Wanga and Kaluma from future political contests, alleging violations of electoral laws and the IEBC Code of Conduct.
Police officer dies
The accusations came as police confirmed the death of Police Constable Jim Richardson Okundi following the violence.
A police follow-up report seen by Y News said Okundi was pronounced dead on arrival at Russia Hospital in Kisumu.
The report also listed several injured police officers and civilians and documented extensive damage to police and civilian vehicles, houses and other property.
Police said officers fired live ammunition into the air while dispersing crowds and also used tear gas, smoke grenades and rubber-ball grenades.
The case remains under investigation.
The National Police Service had warned politicians and supporters before Sunday’s rally against incitement and conduct likely to breach the peace, urging officers deployed to political gatherings to exercise restraint.
The latest accusations are likely to deepen the political battle in Homa Bay, a traditional ODM stronghold, as rival factions position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
