Kenya Opposition Leaders Rally in Homa Bay Despite Threats
Kenyan opposition politicians held massive rallies in Homa Bay, defying reported attacks by goons, as the Linda Mwananchi movement pushes for political change.
Thousands of supporters gathered in Homa Bay County on Sunday as opposition politicians, led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, held a series of rallies under the 'Linda Mwananchi' (Safeguarding the People) banner. The movement has emerged as a vocal faction agitating for political change ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Despite widespread reports of violent attacks by stone-throwing youth who barricaded roads to disrupt the events, the rallies proceeded with large crowds. Local journalists, including an AFP freelancer, were allegedly attacked and robbed of their equipment during the unrest.
Addressing the crowd, Nairobi Member of Parliament Babu Owino dismissed the attempts to stop the rallies. "We were told we would not get here because of goons. But we want to tell the goons that the power of the people is stronger than the people in power," he said.
Senator Sifuna used the platform to criticize President William Ruto's administration, citing the alleged abduction and death of a young man named Albert Ojwang, who was reportedly taken from Homa Bay to Nairobi over a Facebook post and beaten to death in police custody. "I cannot support and join a government that is killing our people. It is not possible, not possible," Sifuna declared.
Sifuna also claimed that the opposition has found no support for Ruto in various regions, including the Coast, Western Kenya, Maasai land, and Kisumu. He challenged the crowd in Sindo to declare whether any votes existed for the president there, urging them to walk with the opposition movement.