Police officers have been deployed to escort the Linda Mwananchi convoy as it makes its way through Homa Bay amid heightened tension and reports of groups seeking to disrupt the planned rallies.
The heightened security comes after unknown individuals reportedly blocked roads early Sunday morning, disrupting access to Homa Bay town ahead of the political gathering.
Tension was reported in Ndhiwa after police fired tear gas to disperse groups of youths who allegedly attacked the Linda Mwananchi convoy with stones.
The incident occurred as the convoy made its way through the area ahead of a planned political rally in Homa Bay.
Police officers accompanying the convoy moved to contain the situation after the group reportedly confronted the vehicles and pelted them with stones.
The confrontation caused tension in the area, with police using tear gas to disperse the attackers and clear the way for the convoy.
On Sunday, large stones were placed across sections of the roads in an attempt to prevent vehicles from accessing the town.
The stones appeared to have been placed overnight, with footage recorded at about 7 am showing some roads rendered impassable as political leaders and supporters prepared for the rally scheduled for Sunday, August 16.
On Saturday evening, property of unknown value was destroyed at Homa Bay Tourist Hotel 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 1.30 pm 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.
Speaking to the media on Sunday morning, Siaya Governor James Orengo has vowed that the plannedrallies in Sindo and Homa Bay will proceed despite attempts to disrupt the movement’s convoy.
Orengo accused unnamed individuals of organising groups to attack vehicles and interfere with the convoy as leaders headed to Homa Bay on Sunday.
“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,” Orengo said.
He said the movement remained determined to hold its planned meetings in Sindo and Homa Bay.
Reports indicated that tyres were set ablaze in parts of the county as preparations for the rallies continued.
The Linda Mwananchi team had planned rallies in Nyandiwa, Sindo and Homa Bay Town as part of its political mobilisation tour.
