Fresh violence hit the Linda Mwananchi movement yesterday after armed gangs disrupted two of its events in Nyahururu and Kisumu, leaving two people with gunshot wounds, several others injured and renewing fears over rising attacks on opposition activities.
The twin incidents unfolded just days after a Linda Mwananchi convoy was attacked in Keumbu, Kisii County, where one person was killed and more than 20 others injured, adding to growing concerns over the safety of the movement's public engagements.
In Nyahururu, two people were seriously injured after they were shot when armed men and suspected goons attacked a Linda Mwananchi rally. Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata said his driver was among those hit by bullets.
The violence broke out shortly after opposition leaders attended a church service at AIPCA Nyahururu Cathedral before heading to a planned public meeting in the town.
The gathering had been moved to Nyahururu after Linda Mwananchi announced on Saturday that it had cancelled an earlier plan to campaign in Ol Kalou.
As leaders prepared to address supporters, groups of youths armed with pangas, rungus and stones stormed the venue and started attacking the crowd. Witnesses claimed people inside a nearby vehicle also opened fire as panic spread across the area.
Some witnesses said they saw youths collecting stones from a vehicle before handing them to others who joined the attack.
One of those who was shot had reportedly appealed to supporters to stay calm and not flee moments before the attackers advanced. Several other people suffered injuries after being assaulted or struck by stones.
Those present included Governor Kang’ata, Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi, Suba South MP Caroli Omondi, Funyula MP Wilberforce Ojiambo, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi and Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka.
Governor Kang’ata said the attack was part of a pattern of violence targeting the Linda Mwananchi team whenever it holds political activities in the region.
Senator Osotsi shared the same concerns, saying similar incidents had already been witnessed in Kisii and Kisumu. He accused the National Police Service leadership of failing to stop repeated attacks against opposition events.
Omondi insisted the movement would continue engaging Kenyans despite the violence.
“It is very unfortunate. The Inspector-General of Police should tell Kenyans whether he is in charge of the police service or whether he has surrendered it to goons. We cannot continue witnessing attacks like these while the police do nothing,” said Mr Omondi, adding that the opposition would not be intimidated.
Another confrontation was reported in Kisumu, where suspected goons attempted to force their way into St Stephen’s ACK Cathedral as senior opposition leaders, among them Siaya Governor James Orengo and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, attended a church service.
Police responded by firing tear gas before escorting the leaders from the church as tensions escalated.
Witnesses said some of the youths carried bows and arrows while another group inside the church compound, armed with rungus, confronted them.
The attackers reportedly blocked the church compound and tried to stop the opposition leaders from leaving, sparking running battles between the rival groups.
The clashes caused panic among worshippers and residents, while several motorbikes caught in the confrontation were burnt.
Governor Orengo accused a section of State officials, local leaders and individuals linked to Linda Ground of being behind the violence.
“We have evidence. Part of the leadership in Kisumu and a section of Linda Ground had their hand in what happened in Kisumu today,” Mr Orengo said.
Sifuna said the incident would not stop the Linda Mwananchi movement from holding its activities, claiming the government was acting out of fear.
“These things are not going to stop us. The State is scared because they are in their last year in power. Everybody knows that in under 12 months, people like Sifuna and Orengo are the ones who will be running the government,” Mr Sifuna said.
The Nairobi senator was making his first public appearance since the Registrar of Political Parties approved his removal as ODM secretary-general.
Addressing the congregation, Sifuna said losing the party position would not push him out of active politics.
He compared his removal to children losing their inheritance after the death of a father, saying while some people had taken away his office, they could not take away the values and wisdom he received from ODM founder Raila Odinga.
“There are things my father, Raila Odinga, gave me. He gave me wisdom. People have decided they will take everything else, but what God and the people gave me will be restored,” he said.
His removal was formally approved last week after the Registrar ruled that ODM had complied with the Political Parties Act and the party constitution in removing him.
Before his removal, Sifuna had openly opposed ODM's cooperation agreement with President William Ruto's Kenya Kwanza administration, maintaining that the party should remain in the opposition.