Violence erupted in western Kenya early on Sunday, ahead of an opposition rally where leaders had warned they could face attacks by armed thugs, as the country is due to hold national polls in just under a year.
Penpushing reports that President William Ruto is seeking a second term, however, opposition politicians have warned of an increasingly hostile environment, and observers have voiced concerns about the use of armed thugs — known in Kenya as goons — to disrupt political gatherings.
The opposition Linda Mwananchi movement, a group seeking to galvanise dissatisfaction over Ruto’s tenure, plans to hold a rally with potential presidential aspirant Edwin Sifuna on Sunday in Homa Bay.
Penpushing reports that sources described chaotic scenes early Sunday morning in the centre of town, with goons attacking passersby and snatching valuables, while scores of men, some armed with sticks and machetes, were moving through streets, and some had lit tyres or constructed makeshift barricades on the main road.
The sources pointed out that there was no police presence in the town, although officers on the outskirts were stopping people travelling into the centre, while the situation in town shortly before midday remained chaotic.
Penpushing further reports that Images and video shared on social media, which has not been independently verify, showed piles of rubble strewn over one of the town’s main thoroughfares, as well as burning tyres on the roads.
The Linda Mwananchi leaders ahead of the rally had claimed to local media that goons were being mobilised to disrupt the political gathering, but Homa Bay county governor Gladys Wanga rejected the claims, saying that all political factions would be welcomed.
Penpushing also reports that she declared in a statement that they may hold different political positions, but those differences must be settled through ideas and the ballot, not confrontation or violence,
The Governor of Siaya County north of Homa Bay, James Orengo, said goons assaulted convoys en route to the rally, stressing that this not the Kenya they want adding that police have totally surrendered their authority to the goons”.
Penpushing reports that Kenyan police spokesperson Michael Muchiri issued a statement on Sunday offering a “reassurance of safety and security”, adding that 15 people had been arrested on Saturday.
The statement warned politicians and organisers against “incitement, provocation, or any conduct likely to breach the peace”, and emphasised officers were “strictly non-partisan”, revealing that preliminary investigations indicated that they are hired criminals who allegedly planned to disrupt political activities in the area.
FOOTNOTE: You want to share story with us? You want to advertise with us? You need publicity for product, or service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348073463653 or email penpushing@yahoo.com
