Tension gripped parts of Kakamega after a group of alleged government-allied youths flooded the streets during a rally organized by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna under the banner of the “Linda Mwananchi” campaign.
Eyewitnesses reported chaotic scenes as rival groups exchanged chants, with police officers deployed to prevent further escalation. Businesses temporarily shut down as anti-riot officers moved in to disperse crowds and restore calm.
Sifuna, who has recently intensified grassroots mobilization tours across western Kenya, accused unnamed state operatives of attempting to intimidate supporters and disrupt the meeting. He maintained that the rally would proceed as planned, insisting that no one would block his engagement with residents.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the incident, though security agencies remained on high alert throughout the day to avoid clashes.
The incident highlights rising political temperatures as leaders crisscross the country holding rallies and consolidating support bases ahead of future political contests.
