Tension was reported in Homa Bay Town early Sunday morning after roads leading into and out of the town were reportedly barricaded ahead of a planned Linda Mwananchi political rally.
Videos circulating on social media showed large stones placed across sections of the roads, preventing vehicles from accessing the town.
The stones appeared to have been placed overnight, with footage recorded at about 7am showing some roads rendered impassable as political leaders and supporters prepared for the rally scheduled for Sunday, August 16.
The reported barricading came despite assurances from the government that security would be provided for the meeting and its participants.
Internal Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo had earlier assured leaders of the Linda Mwananchi movement that the government would protect them during the planned gathering.
Omollo said Kenyans had a constitutional right to hold political meetings anywhere in the country, regardless of their political affiliation.
“Whether they do whichever formation, everybody has a right to go to any part, any corner of the country and converse their issues,” Omollo said.
The PS, however, warned that those attending the rally would be expected to respect the law and maintain peace and order.
“The position is very clear, everybody is free to go anywhere while at it; the expectation is that they must observe law and order,” he said.
Omollo further warned individuals who might attempt to use the political gathering to cause violence, saying security agencies would take action against criminal activity.
“Criminal elements or criminal acts that are either related to politics or political contestation will not be tolerated. We should not allow ourselves to be misused by any political player for their own self-interest,” he said.
The security assurances came a day after leaders associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement raised concerns over alleged attempts to disrupt their meeting in Homa Bay.
Siaya Governor James Orengo, one of the organisers, said opposition leaders remained determined to attend the rally despite what he described as efforts to prevent them from entering the county.
“I want to assure those leaders from Homa Bay that we will be in Homa Bay,” Orengo said.
Orengo said the Constitution guaranteed freedom of movement, association, expression and peaceful assembly, arguing that political leaders should be allowed to traverse the country and engage with residents.
He also alleged that some individuals had held meetings where weapons were allegedly distributed in preparation for the rally.
The developments have heightened political tension in Homa Bay, a region that has traditionally been an important political base for the opposition.
