‘It was a state-backed ambush,’ says Linda Mwananchi over Homa Bay chaos

Linda Mwananchi movement has accused security officers and alleged state operatives of orchestrating a violent ambush against its leaders and supporters during a tour of Homa Bay County on Sunday. The incident resulted in two deaths and several injuries. Movement leaders described the event as a "deliberate operation" rather than a spontaneous outbreak of political violence, alleging collaboration between Kenya Police Service officers and armed groups to disrupt their convoy.

According to the group's chair, Edwin Sifuna, the convoy faced repeated roadblocks and barricades as it traveled from Kisumu to Homa Bay and Migori. Sifuna further alleged that armed individuals concealed in the bushes along the route opened fire on the convoy. The movement also questioned the detention of an unidentified man by its supporters, who claimed to be an officer from the National Intelligence Service (NIS).

The NIS-identified individual later handed over his mobile phone, which the movement preserved as potential evidence. At least 18 people were initially treated for injuries, with 12 evacuated to Kisumu for specialized care. Two patients required surgery, and another underwent leg amputation. Two people died from their injuries. The movement called on Homa Bay leaders to explain their involvement in the violence and praised police officers in Nyandiwa who did not participate in the disruption.

They also commended medical workers for their impartial treatment of the injured. Linda Mwananchi urged the Inspector-General of Police, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority, and the NIS Director-General to investigate the alleged conduct and roles of their officers. The organization vowed to pursue accountability through legal channels, stating that the violence would not deter their political campaign.