Violence disrupted the Linda Wananchi rally in Kakamega town on Saturday. Leaders had organised the event under Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
A tear gas canister landed near the dais during speeches. The incident caused panic among supporters near the podium. One person sustained serious injuries during the commotion.
Supporters rushed to control the situation immediately. Youths broke a gate into a nearby compound. They believed the canister originated from that direction.
Organisers escorted the suspected individual to the podium. Leaders urged calm as tensions rose. Medical personnel later took the injured person for treatment.
Babu Owino Intervenes
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino stepped in quickly. He called for restraint among angry youths. He insisted that no one should suffer mob justice.
Security volunteers brought another suspect to the stage. The individual reportedly carried a handcuff at the time. Leaders addressed the crowd to prevent escalation. Earlier, youths had dispersed people loitering near the dais. They also damaged a vehicle believed to belong to suspected disruptors.
Organisers had deployed volunteers to screen vehicles entering the venue. They aimed to block infiltration by hostile groups.
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Leaders Attend High-Stakes Rally
Several senior leaders attended the rally. Among them stood Godfrey Osotsi and Richard Onyonka. Members of Parliament also joined the gathering. They included Caleb Amisi, Caroli Omondi, and Emmanuel Oundo.
Other lawmakers present included Joshua Kivilu, Patrick Makau, and Anthony Kibagendi. The leaders addressed supporters despite the disruption. They condemned the incident and called for unity.
Rising Tension Across Kakamega
Tension gripped Kakamega town before the rally began. Youths and bodaboda riders moved through streets in convoys. They rode trucks, tuktuks, and motorbikes.
Many carried placards marked “Tutam.” Their chants echoed across trading centers. Traders reacted by closing shops temporarily. Business owners feared clashes between rival groups. Some residents avoided the town center entirely. Police monitored movements closely.
Attempts to block the Sifuna team emerged along the highway. Unknown individuals lit fires on the Kakamega-Kisumu-Webuye road. The barricades failed to stop the convoy. Leaders arrived at the venue under tight security. Supporters cheered as they entered the grounds.
Political Messaging and Demands
Siaya Governor James Orengo addressed the crowd firmly. He said the rally would chart direction for the Linda Wananchi movement. He urged citizens to remember their sovereign power. He framed the movement as a push for accountability.
Babu Owino echoed that message. He said the movement seeks solutions to national challenges. He demanded stronger leadership within opposition ranks.
He also referenced President William Ruto during his remarks. He warned that mass action could follow unmet promises. Leaders stressed peaceful engagement despite rising tensions. They insisted that their campaign would continue nationwide.
Security Concerns Ahead
Saturday’s events highlight fragile political temperatures. Organisers now face pressure to strengthen security planning. Opposition leaders accuse hostile elements of deliberate disruption. Government officials have not issued a detailed statement.
Analysts warn that repeated confrontations risk wider instability. They urge law enforcement to guarantee safety for all political actors. The Kakamega incident underscores the stakes surrounding early 2027 mobilisation. Leaders continue to rally supporters across counties.
Despite chaos, the Linda Wananchi team completed most of the programme. The movement now prepares for its next engagement.
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