Homa Bay experienced significant unrest on Sunday as the Edwin Sifuna-led Linda Mwananchi movement arrived to promote their 2027 campaign.
The event was marked by increased political tension and attempts to disrupt the meetings, which commenced in Nyandiwa, Suba South constituency.
This initiative, featuring prominent figures such as Nairobi Senator Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and other opposition leaders, faced road blockades and burning tyres.
Early in the morning, large stones obstructed several roads into and out of Homa Bay, while tyres were ignited at the Oyugis junction.
“I want to express my gratitude to the locals who took the initiative to clear the roads and welcome us. This demonstrates that democracy must be firmly established in our country,” stated Suba South MP Caroli Omondi.
He noted the pressure on their team to withdraw from the campaign but affirmed their commitment to continue their pursuit.
“We recognize that citizens possess greater wisdom than their leaders. We encourage the people of Homa Bay to stand with us. We are confident in our victory,” the MP stated, projecting assurance that Ruto will not succeed in the upcoming elections.
The Linda Mwananchi team dismissed Ruto’s efforts in the region, asserting that they will retain key government positions, such as Treasury and PS Interior, when they assume power.
During one of their stops, Sifuna remarked, “We arrived to find roads closed, but we appreciate the community for removing the barriers.”
The Nairobi Senator emphasized their unity as a team, despite attempts to create divisions, and refuted claims of Ruto’s support in the Nyanza region.
“I believe we all recall the teachings of Baba. It’s regrettable that some individuals are urging us to abandon our fight for a broader democratic space,” he expressed.
Sifuna shared that his challenges with ODM began when he condemned authorities for extrajudicial killings, asserting his readiness to lead the nation.
“I invite those who share Raila’s vision to join us on this journey. Do you doubt my ability to build stadiums or roads?” he challenged.
Siaya Senator James Orengo stated, “Ruto has misused the Kenyan constitution. Of the Gen Zs who perished in 2024, 80 percent hailed from the Luo region; we cannot grant him another term.”
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino affirmed their unwavering commitment to advancing the Linda Mwananchi agenda, asserting their capability to form the next government.
He highlighted the lack of tangible benefits from the Ruto administration for Nyanza, referencing Ol Kalou, where locals received expensive gifts before last month’s by-election.
These events unfolded despite government assurances of security for the meeting.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo had cautioned those intending to disrupt the gathering that legal consequences would follow.
Homa Bay County Commissioner Ronald Mwiwawi confirmed the deployment of adequate security and warned politicians against mobilizing youths as private security forces.
He reported that police intercepted a vehicle carrying three individuals allegedly armed with two pangas and two kitchen knives.
These confrontations intensified the already heightened tensions, with Linda Mwananchi leaders accusing local political rivals of attempting to sabotage their entry into Homa Bay.
Babu accused local leaders of orchestrating disruptions. “We have faced aggression from goons at every turn.”
Orengo echoed similar concerns about plans to undermine the meeting but remained resolute that the rally would proceed.
These confrontations revealed the increasingly fierce struggle for control of Nyanza politics as the general election approaches.
Homa Bay is recognized as a vital ODM stronghold, making this rally a crucial test for Sifuna and his allies as they aim to establish Linda Mwananchi as a significant political force nationally.
For Sifuna, the Homa Bay meeting presented an opportunity to illustrate that his movement can penetrate areas traditionally dominated by ODM.
The faction aligned with party leader Oburu Oginga and officials supporting collaboration with President Ruto’s administration has staked a claim to this base.
Separately, DP party leader Justin Muturi condemned the use of thugs to disrupt and attack the Linda Mwananchi campaign team.
Muturi emphasized that every Kenyan has the right to move freely across the country, engage with fellow citizens, and campaign peacefully, irrespective of political affiliation.
He cautioned that no part of Kenya should be deemed off-limits for any political group.
Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has emerged as one of Sifuna’s most vocal critics.
Previously, the lawmaker characterized Sifuna as politically ineffective without ODM, arguing that the Nairobi senator’s influence largely stems from the party’s structures.
He dismissed the forays into Nyanza, asserting that the region supports Ruto due to his developmental achievements in the previously marginalized area.
Recently, Kaluma accused Sifuna, Babu, and Orengo of abandoning ODM and misinterpreting the nation’s political trajectory.
However, Sifuna has maintained that Linda Mwananchi aims to provide ordinary Kenyans with a platform to demand accountability.
The senator has consistently vowed that attempts to disrupt the movement will not hinder its nationwide mobilization, asserting that the movement will continue its journey across the country despite intimidation.
Orengo has similarly affirmed the group’s unity.
“Linda Mwananchi will remain undivided. We aim to prove wrong those who claim otherwise. We are united in our mission and will not be separated.”
