Roads Blocked, Youth Light Bonfires Ahead of Linda Mwananchi Rally in Homa Bay

Roads Blocked, Youth Light Bonfires Ahead of Linda Mwananchi Rally in Homa Bay

Tensions rose in Homa Bay County on Sunday, August 16, after roads leading to Nyandiwa were blocked in the early morning hours ahead of a planned Linda Mwananchi political rally.

Several access routes were reportedly barricaded from around 4am, with large stones placed across sections of the Nyandiwa road and other roads leading into and out of the area.

Videos circulating online showed blocked roads and groups of people gathered in some parts of the county as political tensions increased ahead of the rally.

Some motorists were reportedly unable to use the affected routes, while residents and rally supporters expressed concern over attempts to restrict access to the planned venue.

At Kendu Junction in Oyugis, tyres were also reportedly set on fire as groups opposed to the Linda Mwananchi tour took to the streets.

The developments raised concerns over possible disruptions to the political gathering, despite earlier assurances from the government that adequate security would be provided.

The government has also maintained that Kenyans have a constitutional right to peaceful assembly, provided such gatherings comply with the law.

Journalists Reportedly Attacked

The tension also affected journalists covering the developments.

Two AFP journalists were reportedly assaulted while documenting the unrest. Their equipment was also reportedly stolen during the incident.

The reported attack raised fresh concerns about the safety of journalists covering politically sensitive events, particularly as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 General Election.

There was no immediate independent confirmation of the circumstances surrounding the reported assault.

Claims of Planned Disruption

The latest developments followed allegations by Linda Mwananchi leaders that groups of youths had been mobilised to disrupt their planned rally.

The claims have not been independently verified.

Earlier, Siaya Governor James Orengo alleged that there were plans to interfere with the gathering and accused unnamed individuals of preparing groups to cause disruption.

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga later made similar allegations, claiming that youths from outside the county had allegedly been mobilised to create chaos.

Wanga warned those allegedly planning to disrupt the event against bringing violence into Homa Bay.

“We have no problem with Linda Mwananchi. Come in peace, talk in peace and go away in peace.”

She also urged former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who has been accused by her of mobilising youths, not to bring groups that could cause disorder.

The allegations remain unproven, and no official evidence had been released linking the road blockades to any particular political group.

Police Yet to Explain Barricades

As of Sunday morning, there was no official statement from the National Police Service specifically identifying those responsible for placing the barricades.

It was also unclear whether the road blockades were directly connected to the planned Linda Mwananchi rally.

The situation comes after several days of political exchanges involving leaders from both sides of the emerging political contest.

Linda Mwananchi leaders, including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo, have been mobilising supporters in Homa Bay ahead of the Nyandiwa meeting.

Homa Bay is considered an important political region, with the county maintaining strong ties to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

Governor Wanga and Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma have previously maintained that opposition politicians are free to visit the county, while urging political actors to avoid statements or activities that could provoke residents.

Sifuna Confirms Presence in Homa Bay

Despite the early morning disruptions, Sifuna signalled that the Linda Mwananchi programme was continuing.

In a video shared on his Facebook page on Sunday, the senator confirmed that he was already in Homa Bay.

His presence suggested that the movement remained committed to holding the planned gathering despite the reported security concerns and road disruptions.

The events have placed Sunday’s rally under heightened national attention, with political leaders and security agencies expected to monitor developments closely.

The rally is also being watched as a possible indicator of the political mood in the region ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Authorities face the task of balancing the right to peaceful political assembly with the need to prevent violence, protect residents and ensure the safety of journalists and other members of the public.

For now, questions remain over who blocked the roads, who was responsible for the reported bonfires and whether the incidents were coordinated. Further clarification from police and the organisers is expected as the situation develops.

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Roads Blocked, Youth Light Bonfires Ahead of Linda Mwananchi Rally in Homa Bay