Chaos in Chwele: Opposition Leaders Attacked by Goons After Bungoma Rally
Panic rocked Chwele town, Bungoma County, on Friday, July 4, when a convoy of opposition leaders was violently attacked by goons shortly after a political rally. The top leaders—former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya—were forced to flee for safety as stones rained down on their motorcade.
According to lawyer Ndegwa Njiru, the attack happened as they were leaving for Kitale.
“We are under heavy attack from government-sponsored goons… Goons are firing gunshots, aiming at our convoy. We were heading to Kitale,” Njiru revealed.
Chaos escalated quickly. Shocking videos circulated online showing a mob armed with stones and clubs chasing after the leaders’ convoy.
Some of the attackers, eyewitnesses say, carried knives. Former nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba claimed the police were complicit in the violence.
“The police are working with the goons. Have you seen the way they are not even stopping them? That is exactly what they want to do during the Saba Saba day protests. They are even giving them weapons,” Orwoba alleged.
According to Orwoba, one of the leaders sustained serious injuries during the attack and had to be rushed to hospital.
“It is evident that the authorities that are supposed to protect Kenyans are now arming goons and militia to kill anyone with a divergent view,” she added.
“We had to evacuate this leader who was attacked by the militia and left to die. He had a deep cut on his head, several other cuts on his body, and had bled out.”
Despite the terrifying ordeal, the convoy managed to escape the ambush and proceeded to Kitale. There, the leaders addressed supporters and condemned the violence.
Their tour across the Western region seeks to build momentum for a broader opposition movement, tackle recent issues like the Gen Z protests, and expose alleged misuse of state power.
Former DP Rigathi Gachagua remained defiant and optimistic.
“A trailblazer in decision-making and governance, Bungoma has reaffirmed that power truly belongs to the people and can only be exercised through their collective will,” Gachagua said during his address.
The incident has sparked outrage among Kenyans, with many questioning the role of security agencies in protecting political freedoms.
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Chaos in Chwele: Opposition Leaders Attacked by Goons After Bungoma Rally
