Violence erupts in western Kenya ahead of opposition rally
Violence erupted in western Kenya on Sunday morning, ahead of an opposition rally in Homa Bay. An AFP journalist reported chaotic scenes with individuals, some armed with sticks and machetes, attacking passersby and snatching valuables. Makeshift barricades were constructed and tyres were lit on roads. The opposition Linda Mwananchi movement, which plans to hold a rally with potential presidential aspirant Edwin Sifuna, had previously claimed that individuals were being mobilized to disrupt the gathering. Homa Bay county governor Gladys Wanga rejected these claims, stating that all political factions would be welcomed. James Orengo, governor of Siaya County, reported that convoys en route to the rally were assaulted and criticized the police for surrendering authority to these individuals. Kenyan police spokesperson Michael Muchiri issued a statement reassuring safety and security, noting that 15 people had been arrested on Saturday. He stated that preliminary investigations indicated they were hired criminals planning to disrupt political activities and warned politicians against incitement or provocation.
