Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has criticised political intimidation during the Linda Mwananchi tour of Homa Bay, urging leaders to focus on challenges facing young people, particularly unemployment.
Speaking on Sunday, August 16, as the movement toured the county, Babu accused political actors of allegedly using groups to silence those raising concerns affecting Kenyans.
“When we want to speak and address these issues affecting our people and society, they send us goons, and yet our youth have no employment,” Babu said.
His remarks came as political tensions increased in parts of Homa Bay, with reports of road blockades and confrontations along routes used by the Linda Mwananchi convoy.
Police were deployed to provide security during the movement's activities, while officers used tear gas in Ndhiwa to disperse a group that allegedly attempted to block the convoy.
Caroli Omondi, who serves as the Linda Mwananchi spokesperson, thanked residents who supported the movement's arrival in Homa Bay.
“I want to thank you, our people, who took a firm stance and opened the roads and welcomed us and said democracy must be in Kenya,” he said.
The Suba South MP said the political message associated with the late former ODM leader Raila Odinga remained important to supporters of the movement.
“That is what Raila stood for and taught us. As we are here, we are the offspring of Raila. We will not be cowed or be intimidated,” Caroli said.
The remarks came against a backdrop of political divisions in Homa Bay, traditionally regarded as a key political base in Nyanza.
Caroli also criticised some political leaders in Luo Nyanza, accusing them of placing personal interests ahead of their responsibilities to voters.
“I have noticed that the citizens are more informed than our leaders. Our leaders in Luo Nyanza are now using their stomach and not their brain,” he said.
His comments underline growing disagreements among political actors in the region as different factions seek to consolidate support ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The Linda Mwananchi tour brought together several prominent politicians, including Siaya Governor James Orengo, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Babu Owino, Caroli Omondi and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.
The movement's activities have also highlighted divisions within ODM, with leaders aligned to the party's mainstream faction engaging in political mobilisation in the same region.
The competing political activity comes less than a year before the next General Election, placing Homa Bay at the centre of a broader contest for political influence in Nyanza.
The tensions surrounding the Linda Mwananchi tour have also raised concerns about political tolerance and the ability of rival groups to conduct campaigns without intimidation or disruption.
Babu and Caroli's remarks focused on the need for political leaders to address issues affecting citizens while allowing competing political voices to operate freely.
As political mobilisation intensifies ahead of the 2027 election, Homa Bay is expected to remain a key arena for competing political interests, with rival groups seeking to demonstrate their influence among voters in the county.