HOMA BAY, Kenya- Siaya Governor James Orengo’s convoy was attacked in Ndhiwa, Homa Bay County, on Sunday as tensions escalated ahead of the planned Linda Mwananchi rallies in the region.
The incident forced Orengo and his team to turn back, with the governor condemning the attack as unacceptable.
Orengo later accused unnamed individuals of organising groups to target the Linda Mwananchi convoy as its leaders travelled through Homa Bay.
“The people are with us, but these goons have been organised in order to hit our cars, interfere with our convoy; this is not the Kenya we want,” Orengo said.
The governor also questioned the security arrangements in Ndhiwa, saying police should have been deployed in the area ahead of the political procession.
“Anarchy is prevailing because for a centre like Ndhiwa, the police should have been there,” he said.
Police fire tear gas as tensions rise
The attack came amid heightened tension in Ndhiwa, where police were reported to have used tear gas as groups of youths confronted the Linda Mwananchi convoy.
Reports and footage circulating from the area showed police officers responding to the confrontation, with gunfire also reported as officers sought to disperse the groups.
The circumstances surrounding the reported gunfire were not immediately clear, including whether officers fired live ammunition or shots into the air.
The confrontation disrupted movement along the route as the Linda Mwananchi team continued its political mobilisation tour of Homa Bay.
Roads blocked, tyres set ablaze
The Ndhiwa incident came after reports of road blockages and burning tyres in parts of Homa Bay early Sunday.
The Star reported that unknown individuals blocked some roads, disrupting access to Homa Bay Town, while tyres were set ablaze in parts of the county.
The developments raised concerns about whether the planned Linda Mwananchi meetings in Nyandiwa, Sindo and Homa Bay Town would proceed as scheduled.
The movement had planned to hold political engagements across the county on Sunday as part of its mobilisation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Orengo insists rallies will proceed
Despite the disruption, Orengo maintained that the Linda Mwananchi programme would continue.
“We are determined; we will have all the meetings in Sindo and Homa Bay; we are going to have them,” he said.
The incident follows days of warnings by Linda Mwananchi leaders over alleged plans to disrupt their Homa Bay rallies.
Earlier, the leaders had called on Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and other security agencies to guarantee the safety of their supporters and protect their right to peaceful assembly.
Security concerns precede Homa Bay rally
The government had earlier assured the organisers of security ahead of the Homa Bay rally.
Internal Security Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo warned that criminal acts linked to political contestation would not be tolerated, while urging political actors to observe law and order.
The escalating confrontations have nevertheless raised fresh concerns over political violence as Kenya enters the 2027 election cycle.
Linda Mwananchi leaders, including Orengo and Suba South MP Caroli Omondi, have accused area Governor Gladys Wanga and MP Peter Kaluma of attempting to frustrate their activities.
