NAIROBI, Kenya-Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Dr Fred Matiang’i has accused President William Ruto and the National Security Council of being aware of the violence that disrupted Linda Mwananchi political activities in Homa Bay on Sunday.
Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, August 17, Matiang’i questioned how the scale of violence witnessed in the county could have occurred without the knowledge of the country’s top security leadership.
“I cannot see how the violence in Homa Bay would have happened without the knowledge of the National Security Council and the President. He receives intelligence briefings wherever he is,” Matiang’i said.
The former Interior CS was reacting to clashes, road blockades and attacks that disrupted the Linda Mwananchi movement’s activities across Homa Bay on Sunday.
Several journalists sustained injuries and the vehicles they were travelling in burnt down.
Matiang’i: Kenya ‘descending into chaos’
Matiang’i said the events of the weekend pointed to what he described as a worrying deterioration of the country’s political environment.
“We have begun our descent into chaos and clearly the President and his government have chosen that path,” he said.
He further accused the administration of turning political violence into a tool for maintaining power.
“There comes a time when we need to speak to each other candidly about the affairs of our nation and where they are heading. It’s now clear that the President and his government have chosen violence as a weapon for political survival and engagement,” he said.
Matiang’i’s remarks are allegations and political assertions; he did not publicly provide evidence demonstrating that Ruto or the National Security Council ordered or coordinated the violence.
Violence disrupts Linda Mwananchi rallies
The Linda Mwananchi movement encountered road blockades and confrontations as its leaders travelled through Homa Bay for a series of rallies.
Roads were blocked with stones and other objects in several areas, forcing the movement’s convoys to use alternative routes. In Ndhiwa, police deployed tear gas as groups confronted a Linda Mwananchi convoy.
The violence later escalated as the convoy approached Homa Bay Town, where vehicles were vandalised and one media vehicle was set ablaze.
Several journalists were also assaulted while covering the events, including AFP correspondents Fred Ooko and Brian Ongoro. Media equipment and other personal belongings were reportedly stolen during the attacks.
A Mediamax vehicle was also torched while journalists covering the rally were attacked, while a Citizen TV vehicle was among media equipment and vehicles targeted during the unrest.
Matiang’i raises wider security concerns
The Jubilee presidential aspirant said the Homa Bay events should be viewed alongside other incidents of political violence reported in recent days.
He cited the stoning of vehicles associated with his team in Mulot, attacks on opposition leaders in Nakuru and incidents reported in Salgaa before the Homa Bay clashes.
Matiang’i also alleged that opposition politicians were being subjected to what he termed “digital terrorism”, including alleged interference with their social media accounts and communications.
He further claimed that vehicles fitted with signal jammers had been following opposition leaders during political engagements, allegations that have not been independently established.
Calls for accountability
Matiang’i said the government should explain what security agencies knew before the Linda Mwananchi rallies and whether adequate measures were taken to protect political leaders, journalists and members of the public.
His comments come after Amnesty International Kenya called for independent investigations into the Homa Bay violence, including attacks on journalists, destruction of property, road blockades and alleged failures by security agencies to protect citizens.
The incidents have intensified political debate over the government’s handling of opposition activities as parties and political movements begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
