Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru during a recent public address
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has joined leaders condemning the violence witnessed during Sunday’s Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay County, where a police officer lost his life and eight other people sustained injuries.
Waiguru condemned the violence, describing the scenes of roadblocks, attacks on convoys, burning of vehicles and injuries to citizens and security officers as unacceptable in a democratic society.
“I unequivocally denounce the growing culture of violence and unrest most recently witnessed in Homa Bay County on Sunday. The harrowing images of roadblocks, convoys under attack, vehicles set ablaze, injuries to citizens and security personnel, and the tragic loss of lives are unacceptable in a democratic society.”
She called on political leaders and their supporters to uphold the rule of law and respect human rights, particularly as the country heads into a competitive election season.
“Our political competition must be with respect to the rule of law and the upholding of human rights not through destruction or bloodshed.”
Waiguru also conveyed her condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
“Kenya is our shared home. Together, we must reject violence in all its manifestations and safeguard the democratic space that generations of citizens have worked tirelessly to nurture,” she said.
She further called on those charged with maintaining peace and security to carry out their duties impartially and effectively.
Meanwhile, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has summoned Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma to appear before it on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, over remarks he allegedly made ahead of the rally.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the commission condemned the political violence and intolerance witnessed in Homa Bay, describing the developments as “unfortunate and worrying” and warning that they posed a threat to peace, security and democratic participation.
The NCIC said Kenyans have a right to conduct political activities anywhere in the country provided they remain within the law.
“The Commission reiterates that any Kenyan is allowed to hold political activities in any part of the country as long as they do not break the law. While these rights are fundamental, they must be exercised responsibly, without incitement to violence, hate speech, or disorder,” the commission stated.
Kaluma has, however, asked the commission to postpone the summons.
In a letter dated August 18, 2026, the lawmaker said he had received the summons requiring him to appear before the commission on Wednesday but disputed the accuracy of the transcription and translation of the utterances attributed to him.
“Do note that both the transcription and the translation of the utterances attributed to me are erroneous. Kindly provide the correct transcription and translation and revert herewith for my response,” Kaluma said.
He also said he would be engaged in “unavoidable State duties” on Wednesday and requested that his appearance before the commission be rescheduled to a date after August 27, 2026.
Despite seeking a postponement, Kaluma said he remained willing to cooperate with the NCIC investigation and welcomed the opportunity to appear before the commission and assist it in carrying out its mandate.
