Murang’a Governor Irungu
Kang'ata /HANDOUTMurang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has condemned violence reported during a Linda Mwananchi political rally in Homa Bay, calling for investigations and prosecution of those found responsible for disrupting the gathering.
Kang’ata said citizens should be able to participate in political meetings and express their views without being subjected to violence, as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In a statement, Kang’ata criticised what he described as the use of civilian groups to disrupt political activities and called on authorities to uphold constitutional rights during public gatherings.
“What we witnessed was not policing. It was sponsored brutality,” Kang’ata said, adding that groups involved in the disruption had been allowed to operate with impunity.
His remarks followed reported chaos during a Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay, where a convoy associated with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and other leaders allied to the movement was attacked during a tour of the county.
The incident disrupted the political activities, as clashes occurred during the visit.
Kang’ata called for those involved in the violence to be arrested and prosecuted, including any public officials found to have enabled unlawful conduct.
He also called for the disbandment of what he described as “shadow units” or political militias allegedly being used against citizens.
The governor further called for the immediate release of Linda Mwananchi members he claimed had been arrested for peaceful assembly.
Kang’ata based his argument on constitutional protections, citing Article 37, which guarantees the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket and present petitions peacefully and unarmed.
He also cited Article 29 on the right to freedom and security of the person and Article 244, which sets out the constitutional responsibilities of the National Police Service, including professionalism, discipline and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
“A good government must exercise power as if its worst enemy is holding it tomorrow,” Kang’ata said, urging authorities to observe the law regardless of the political circumstances.
"If you normalise goons today, do not cry when goons are used against you tomorrow. Power is temporary. The Constitution is permanent."
He said government institutions should document incidents, respect constitutional rights and avoid setting standards that could later be applied against those currently in power.
The governor also urged residents to continue exercising their constitutional rights to organise and participate in public affairs, while maintaining peaceful conduct.
The Homa Bay incident is the latest in a series of disruptions reported around Linda Mwananchi activities in different parts of the country.
Kang’ata has been associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement in recent months after moving into the opposition political camp and joining its activities.
