Tension has been reported in parts of Homa Bay County ahead of the Linda Mwananchi rally scheduled on Sunday.
Videos seen by The Kenya Times show burning tyres along roads as political leaders and supporters prepare for the gathering.
The development comes days after organizers raised concerns over alleged plans to disrupt the rally and called on security agencies to ensure the safety of participants.
The rally is being led by a faction associated with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Orengo and Babu Owino as part of Linda Mwananchi’s ongoing political mobilization activities ahead of the 2027 General Election. The movement formally notified police about the Homa Bay rally earlier in August.
Goons Allegedly Block Homa Bay Roads.
Tyres were seen set ablaze at Oyugis Junction, one of the key road points in Homa Bay County, ahead of the planned political gathering.
Footage circulating from the area shows smoke rising from burning tyres placed along the road, raising concerns about possible disruption of movement in the area.
The circumstances surrounding the incident, including who set the tyres on fire and the motive behind the action, had not been independently established at the time of reporting.
In another video shared by Alinur Mohammed, goons allegedly blocked one of the roads in Homa Bay with stones.
The incident comes against a backdrop of heightened political tension in Homa Bay as rival political camps prepare for the Linda Mwananchi event.
Earlier this month, police arrested six people following an assault involving members of the Linda Mwananchi rally planning team. The arrests triggered protests in parts of Homa Bay Town, where groups of youths lit bonfires, temporarily disrupting business activities.
Linda Mwananchi Security Concerns Ahead of The Rally
The latest incident comes as organizers of the rally have repeatedly raised concerns over security ahead of the August 16 meeting.
On August 12, Linda Mwananchi officials called on Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to enhance security in Homa Bay, alleging plans to prevent some of their leaders and supporters from accessing the town.
Organizers specifically cited areas around Kabunde Airstrip, bridges leading into Homa Bay, and hotels where leaders were expected to stay.
Linda Mwananchi leaders raised concerns about alleged plans to cause violence during the rally. Siaya Governor James Orengo and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino publicly raised concerns over possible attacks.
Government Assures Organizers of Security in Homa Bay
The government has sought to ease concerns about the rally, assuring political leaders and their supporters that they have the right to hold political meetings as long as they comply with the law.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said the government would not tolerate criminal activities linked to political competition.
He urged political actors and their supporters to maintain law and order, warning that anyone who used the rally to incite violence would face the law.
The assurances followed calls from Linda Mwananchi officials for heightened security as the rally date approached.
Police had earlier confirmed that the movement had formally notified authorities about the planned gathering.
Organizers said the Homa Bay County police commander had received the notification and assured them security would be provided for a peaceful event.
Situation in Homa Bay ahead of Linda Mwananchi Rally
On Saturday night, Homa Bay residents gathered and sang political songs ahead of the Linda Mwananchi rally scheduled for Sunday.
A video shared by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna showed residents out at night, singing and celebrating in anticipation of the political gathering.
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko is also expected to join Sifuna and other leaders at the rally. In a video, Sonko and Sifuna were seen at the airport ahead of the rally.
Homa Bay County Commissioner Ronald Mwiwawi warned politicians against mobilizing youths as private security. He said adequate security had been deployed and urged residents and visitors to maintain peace.
Mwiwawi also disclosed that police had intercepted a vehicle carrying three people allegedly found with two pangas and two kitchen knives. He said those planning to cause chaos would be arrested.
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