Concerns over escalating political violence intensified yesterday after suspected goons disrupted two events linked to the Linda Mwananchi movement in Nyahururu and Kisumu, leaving several people injured and renewing criticism over security at opposition gatherings.
The latest incidents occurred barely a week after a Linda Mwananchi convoy was attacked in Keumbu, Kisii County, where one person was killed and more than 20 others injured.
In Nyahururu, two people sustained serious gunshot wounds after armed men and suspected goons descended on a rally organised by the movement. Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata confirmed that his driver was among those shot.
The violence broke out shortly after opposition leaders attended a church service at AIPCA Nyahururu Cathedral before heading to a public rally in the town. The rally followed a last-minute change to the movement’s programme, which had initially scheduled activities in Ol Kalou before shifting to Nyahururu.
Witnesses said groups of youths armed with pangas, rungus and stones stormed the gathering as leaders prepared to address supporters. They alleged that people inside a nearby vehicle also opened fire as the attackers hurled stones into the crowd.
Some witnesses claimed they saw youths collecting stones from a vehicle before distributing them to others involved in the attack.
One of the people who suffered gunshot wounds had reportedly appealed to supporters to remain calm and not run away as the attackers advanced. Several others sustained injuries after being struck by stones or assaulted during the chaos.
Among the leaders present were Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi, Suba South MP Caroli Omondi, Funyula MP Wilberforce Ojiambo, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi and Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka.
Governor Kang’ata linked the incident to what he described as a series of attacks targeting Linda Mwananchi activities.
Senator Osotsi echoed those concerns, citing similar disruptions during previous opposition events in Kisii and Kisumu. He accused the National Police Service leadership of failing to stop repeated attacks against opposition programmes.
MP Omondi maintained that the movement would continue with its activities despite the violence.
“It is very unfortunate. The Inspector-General of Police should tell Kenyans whether he is in charge of the police service or whether he has surrendered it to goons. We cannot continue witnessing attacks like these while the police do nothing,” said Mr Omondi, adding that the opposition would not be intimidated.
In Kisumu, another confrontation unfolded after suspected goons attempted to force their way into St Stephen’s ACK Cathedral, where senior opposition leaders, including Siaya Governor James Orengo and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, were attending a church service.
Police responded by firing tear gas and escorting the leaders from the church as tensions escalated.
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Witnesses said some of the youths were armed with bows and arrows, while another group inside the church compound, carrying rungus, confronted them. The confrontation developed into running battles, causing panic among worshippers and residents.
Several motorcycles caught up in the clashes were also set ablaze.
Governor Orengo accused certain State officials, local leaders and individuals linked to Linda Ground of organising the violence.
“We have evidence. Part of the leadership in Kisumu and a section of Linda Ground had a hand in what happened in Kisumu today,” Mr Orengo said.
Senator Sifuna insisted that the attacks would not derail the opposition movement, claiming the government was acting out of fear.
“These things are not going to stop us. The State is scared because it is in its last year in power. Everybody knows that in under 12 months, people like Sifuna and Orengo will be the ones who will be running the government,” Mr Sifuna said.
The Kisumu event also marked Sifuna’s first public appearance since the Registrar of Political Parties approved his removal as ODM secretary-general.
Addressing congregants from the church pulpit, the Nairobi senator said losing his party position would not force him out of active politics.
Drawing a comparison to children losing their inheritance after the death of a parent, Sifuna said although he had lost his office, the values and political guidance he received from ODM leader Raila Odinga could not be taken away.
“There are things my father, Raila Odinga, gave me. He gave me wisdom. People have decided they will take everything else, but what God and the people gave me will be restored,” he said.
Sifuna’s removal was formally approved last week after the Registrar of Political Parties ruled that ODM had complied with the Political Parties Act and the party’s constitution in removing him. He had openly criticised ODM’s cooperation agreement with President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration, arguing that the party should remain in opposition.
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