Africa-Press – Kenya. Violence erupted on Sunday, August 16, in Homa Bay, western Kenya, coinciding with an opposition march amid rising political tensions as the presidential elections scheduled for August 2027 approach.
Senator Edwin Sifuna, representing Nairobi, attended the march alongside several members of parliament under the banner of the “Linda Mwananchi” movement, which aims to unite youth and rally citizens dissatisfied with the government of William Ruto.
Ruto has announced his candidacy for another presidential term, while the opposition intensifies its efforts to mobilize supporters in preparation for the upcoming electoral contest. Political events in the country have seen a notable increase in violence in recent months, raising growing concerns about the political climate less than a year before the elections.
In western Kenya, the opposition convoy was pelted with stones, forcing it to change its route and navigate around security barriers before eventually entering Homa Bay.
According to Kenyan media reports, the city was in a state of chaos even before the march began. Since Sunday morning, major roads were closed, while men armed with sticks and swords roamed the streets, attacking passersby and stealing their valuables. Two journalists were also violently assaulted while covering the events.
The police announced, a day before the demonstration, the arrest of 15 individuals found with weapons, suspected of being “criminals” recruited to “disrupt political activities.”
The opposition and civil society organizations have accused political affiliates of using thugs to incite chaos and disrupt gatherings and political events, warning of the implications of escalating violence on the upcoming electoral process.
The by-elections held in mid-July witnessed significant violence, heightening fears of a repeat of such incidents during the preparations for the presidential elections in 2027.
For its part, Amnesty International stated that the events of Sunday represent a “serious threat to the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Kenyan constitution,” expressing concern over the rising political violence in the country as elections approach.
The organization called for an investigation into the violence witnessed in Homa Bay, urging Kenyan authorities to ensure the protection of rights and freedoms and to maintain a safe political environment that allows for the organization of gatherings and political activities without threat or assault.
