The Democratic Party (DP) of Kenya leader, Justin Muturi, has condemned the reported attack on the Linda Mwananchi campaign team in Homa Bay, warning that political violence and intimidation could undermine Kenya’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Muturi said every Kenyan has the right to move freely, engage with fellow citizens and participate in political activities regardless of political affiliation.
His remarks came on Sunday, August 16, as the Linda Mwananchi movement held rallies in Homa Bay amid reports of road blockades, confrontations and attempts to disrupt its convoy.
“I strongly condemn the use of goons to disrupt and attack the Linda Mwananchi campaign team in Homa Bay today. Every Kenyan has the right to move freely across the country, engage with fellow citizens and campaign peacefully, regardless of their political affiliation. No part of Kenya should be declared a no-go zone for any political group.” Muturi said in a statement.
The former Attorney General also raised concern over reports that journalists covering the political activities were targeted during the incidents.
He said attacks on journalists were particularly worrying because the media has a constitutional responsibility to inform the public and provide space for political debate.
“The attack on journalists is particularly disturbing. The media must be allowed to perform its constitutional role of informing the public without fear, intimidation or violence. Attacking journalists is an attack on press freedom and, ultimately, on our democracy.”
The reported incidents came as the Linda Mwananchi movement, led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and other political leaders, entered Homa Bay for a series of rallies.
The convoy faced disruptions along the route, including reports of tyres being set ablaze and roads being blocked with stones. Police later used teargas in Ndhiwa to disperse a group accused of attempting to block the motorcade.
The National Police Service has separately warned political actors, rally organisers and their supporters against incitement and conduct likely to undermine peace and public order.
It directed officers deployed to political events to remain professional, impartial and restrained while protecting the right to peaceful assembly.
Muturi said the incidents in Homa Bay should serve as a warning as political mobilisation intensifies ahead of the 2027 elections.
“As we head towards the 2027 General Election, such acts of violence and intimidation are unacceptable and set a dangerous precedent. We must protect our democracy by allowing Kenyans to freely listen, engage, question and make their own political choices.”
He called on political leaders and their supporters to embrace peaceful competition and allow voters to hear different political messages without intimidation.
“Our politics must be a contest of ideas, not a battle of goons. Kenya belongs to all of us.”
The reported targeting of journalists also raises wider concerns about the safety of media workers covering political activities.
The Media Council of Kenya's 2026 State of Media Freedom report identified Homa Bay as one of the emerging hotspots for press violations, accounting for 12% of recorded violations in its 2025 analysis.
The latest incidents therefore come against an existing backdrop of concerns over journalists' safety in the county.
The Homa Bay clashes have also intensified political divisions surrounding the Linda Mwananchi movement, which is seeking to expand its mobilisation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Muturi's intervention adds to growing calls from political leaders for restraint, with attention now focused on whether rival political groups can conduct their activities peacefully and whether security agencies can protect both political participants and journalists covering the campaigns.