Urgent.News

What's breaking now, across thousands of outlets.

Sunday, 16 August 2026 Reading Room

World

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 ·

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.

This story

This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.

Read the original at peopledaily.digital →

More in World

The President's proposal for a constitutional amendment to change the power structure has been met with resistance from the People Power Party, making its realization uncertain. The President emphasized the need for a constitutional amendment during his New Year's press conference on the 4th, suggesting a switch to a parliamentary system and the abolition of the presidential and vice-presidential elections. He also suggested that the four-year concurrent terms of the National Assembly and local governments should be maintained, and that the president should be elected by the National Assembly rather than through a direct election. However, the main opposition party, the People Power Party, immediately expressed its opposition to the President's proposal, making it unclear whether the constitutional amendment will be realized. The People Power Party's spokesperson, Park Jung-ha, issued a statement on the 5th, stating that "the President's remarks on changing the current presidential system to a parliamentary system through a constitutional amendment are nothing but a political trick to evade responsibility and confusion." Park added that "it is not a realistic or appropriate time for a constitutional amendment that could overturn the existing system." The Democratic Party of Korea, on the other hand, has taken a more cautious approach, with some lawmakers expressing support for the President's proposal. However, others have expressed concerns about the potential risks and challenges of changing the power structure. The constitutional amendment requires approval from two-thirds of the National Assembly or a national referendum, making it a difficult process. The President's proposal has sparked a heated debate, with various opinions and perspectives being expressed. The realization of the President's proposal for a constitutional amendment remains uncertain due to opposition from the People Power Party and other challenges.

·hani.co.kr

More from Sunday 16 August →