Two journalists have been injured and businesses closed in Homa Bay town as tensions rise ahead of the Linda Mwananchi rally in the region.

The two were reportedly attacked and assaulted by a group of men armed with crude weapons while covering the situation in Homa Bay town.

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During the attack, the journalists’ press cards, driving licences, cameras and other personal belongings were taken.

The journalists were reportedly dragged along the road and beaten with clubs before a boda boda rider intervened and helped them.

The two journalists reported the incident at Homa Bay Police Station.

The incident came amid heightened political tensions in the town over the Linda Mwananchi movement and the slogan calling for elected leaders to serve only one term.

A senior political leader from the region was recently captured in a video allegedly addressing ODM supporters on the planned Linda Mwanchi rally in Homa Bay on Sunday.

In the video, the leader speaking in Dholuo is heard urging supporters to confront members of the movement and warning against those promoting the one-term slogan.

On Saturday, property of unknown value was destroyed at Homa Bay Tourist Hotel on Saturday evening after a group of youths raided the facility and allegedly looted items.

According to hotel proprietor Otieno Odongo, about 50 youths first arrived at the hotel at around 1.30pm and asked whether members of the Linda Mwananchi movement were inside.

Odongo said the youths left after establishing that the group was not at the hotel.

Homa Bay town has largely been brought to a standstill, with groups of men blocking several roads leading into the town.

Business and transport services have been paralysed in Homa Bay Town, forcing motorists to use alternative routes.

Several churches also remained closed amid heightened tension ahead of the Linda Mwananchi rally.

The Linda Mwananchi movement, led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Suba South MP Caroli Omondi and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, among other leaders, is already in Suba South, where they are expected to hold rallies in Nyandiwa and Sindo.