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Linda Mwananchi in Homa Bay: Police lob tear gas to disperse rowdy group
16th August, 2026 12:32 PM
Police officers on Sunday, August 16, 2026, used tear gas to disperse a rowdy group that attempted to block the Linda Mwananchi motorcade in Ndhiwa as the movement headed to Homa Bay for a series of political rallies.
The incident prompted a strong security response as authorities moved to protect the convoy and maintain order before the planned political gatherings.
The movement, led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, had scheduled rallies in Nyandiwa, Sindo and Homa Bay Town as part of its continued mobilisation across different parts of the country.
Sifuna hints at using a different route
As reports emerged that some roads had been blocked, Sifuna appeared to suggest that he was prepared to use an alternative route to reach the rallies. The senator shared a photograph of a boat on Sunday morning while giving supporters an update from Homa Bay.
His message, which came amid reports of roadblocks, suggested that travelling by water remained an option if access by road became difficult. “Top of the morning from the beautiful Homa Bay! Ati wameblock barabara? Tuonane shortly,” Sifuna wrote.
His remarks added a lighter moment to an increasingly tense political atmosphere as supporters continued preparing for the day’s events.
Tension reported in several areas
The first rally was scheduled to take place in Nyandiwa at 10 a.m., but reports indicated that tensions in the area had begun to rise even before the arrival of the movement’s leaders.
Concerns also increased after tyres were set ablaze at Oyugis Junction on Sunday morning. The incident raised fears that supporters travelling to the rallies could face disruptions.
At the same time, the situation in Ndhiwa prompted police officers to intervene after a group attempted to stop the movement’s motorcade. The developments highlighted the growing political rivalry between leaders associated with Linda Mwananchi and a section of ODM leaders in Homa Bay County.
Linda Mwananchi leaders have previously raised concerns over plans to interfere with their meetings, although the claims have been denied by ODM leaders.
Leaders urge supporters to remain peaceful
As tensions continued, several political leaders called for calm and urged supporters to avoid confrontation. Siaya Governor James Orengo and Suba South MP Caroli Omondi asked police to guarantee the safety of those attending the rallies.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo also assured Kenyans that security agencies would continue maintaining law and order during the political gatherings. He said citizens have a right to move freely and express their political views peacefully.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga also appealed for political 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,” Wanga said.
The Linda Mwananchi programme included rallies in Nyandiwa, Sindo and Homa Bay Town, with attention remaining focused on whether the gatherings would proceed without further disruption.
