Police lob teargas to disperse rowdy group attacking Linda Mwananchi convoy in Homa Bay

Police officers on Sunday, August 16, 2026, protected the Linda Mwananchi motorcade as it made its way through Homa Bay County amid heightened political tensions ahead of the movement’s rallies. In Ndhiwa, the security officers were forced to lob teargas to disperse a rowdy group that attempted to block the motorcade from making its way […]

peopledaily.digital ·1h ago

On Sunday, August 16, 2026, police officers in Homa Bay County worked to keep the peace while protecting the Linda Mwananchi motorcade from a group intent on blocking its path. The security force had to deploy teargas in Ndhiwa when a rowdy group tried to impede the motorcade's progress towards Homa Bay. This occurred as Linda Mwananchi, led by Senator Edwin Sifuna, prepared to hold rallies in Ndhiwa, Sindo, and Homa Bay Town.

Police were present to secure the area and avert any possible unrest during the political gatherings. The protection measures followed reports of tires being set ablaze at Oyugis Junction, which sparked fears of potential disruptions as supporters made their way to the rallies. In Nyandiwa, where the first rally was set to kick off at 10 am, tensions ran high ahead of the arrival of Sifuna and his allies.

This situation unfolded amidst a growing rivalry between Linda Mwananchi leaders and some ODM leaders in Homa Bay. Both sides have been accused of attempting to disrupt the other's rallies, a claim that each party denies. Siaya Governor James Orengo and Suba South MP Caroli Omondi have urged the police to ensure the safety of rally-goers as political tensions soar in the region.

Raymond Omollo, Interior Principal Secretary, assured Kenyans that security forces would uphold law and order during the events. He stressed citizens' right to travel and voice their political opinions peacefully. Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga called for political actors and their supporters to refrain from confrontation and embrace tolerance.

"As ODM, we have always been fighters for all freedoms, including the freedom for anyone to tour any place. Anybody is free to come and sell whatever they want in any part of this country," she stated. Sifuna urged his supporters to turn up in large numbers for the Homa Bay rally, describing the tour as a test for the movement's ability to extend its influence into Nyanza, an area traditionally seen as an ODM stronghold.

Written by urgent.news from People Daily Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.