Police officers escorted a convoy linked to the Linda Mwananchi movement through Homa Bay on Sunday as political tensions rose ahead of planned rallies in the county.
The heightened security followed reports that roads leading into Homa Bay town had been blocked with large stones overnight. The obstruction disrupted movement as leaders and supporters prepared for the rallies.
Footage recorded at about 7am showed sections of the roads blocked, leaving some vehicles unable to pass.
The disruption came after an earlier incident at Homa Bay Tourist Hotel, where property was reportedly damaged and items looted during a raid by a group of youths.
Hotel proprietor Otieno Odongo said about 50 youths arrived at around 1.30pm on Saturday and asked whether members of the Linda Mwananchi movement were staying at the hotel.
Odongo said the group left after being told that the movement’s members were not there.
Orengo vows rallies will continue
Siaya Governor James Orengo said the planned meetings in Sindo and Homa Bay would go ahead despite the disruptions.
Speaking to journalists on Sunday morning, Mr Orengo accused unnamed individuals of organising groups to interfere with the convoy.
“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,” he said.
Orengo did not provide evidence identifying those he accused of organising the groups.
He said the movement remained determined to hold its scheduled meetings.
Reports also indicated that tyres had been set alight in parts of the county as preparations for the rallies continued.
Security concerns grow
The events in Homa Bay come after previous confrontations involving Linda Mwananchi supporters in the region.
In July, police arrested suspects after a convoy associated with the movement was attacked in Keumbu, Kisii County. The National Police Service said investigations were continuing and that officers were reviewing video footage to identify others who may have been involved.
The Kisii incident left several people injured and later resulted in the death of one man who had been travelling with the convoy.
The Linda Mwananchi team had scheduled rallies in Nyandiwa, Sindo and Homa Bay Town as part of its political mobilisation tour.
The latest incidents have added to concerns over political tensions in the region as rival factions position themselves ahead of the 2027 general election.
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