Kenyan opposition politicians drew large crowds in Homa Bay County despite reported attempts by suspected hired youths to disrupt their rallies.
The rallies were organised under the banner of Linda Mwananchi, meaning “Safeguarding the People,” a movement led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and positioned as part of growing opposition efforts to challenge President William Ruto’s administration ahead of next year’s general elections.
The events were reportedly disrupted by groups of youths who threw stones and barricaded roads in an attempt to prevent opposition leaders from reaching their rally venues.
Local journalists covering the events were also allegedly targeted. Reports said journalists from Citizen TV and an AFP freelancer were attacked and had their equipment stolen.
Local media reports further alleged that some of the youths were offered up to 4,000 Kenyan shillings to disrupt the opposition gatherings.
Addressing supporters at one of the rallies, Nairobi Member of Parliament Babu Owino said attempts to intimidate the opposition would not stop them from mobilising the people.
“We were told we would not get here because of goons. But we want to tell the goons that the power of the people is stronger than the people in power,” Owino said.
The opposition mobilisation comes as President Ruto faces increasing political pressure over concerns about the economy, corruption and allegations of excessive force against anti-government protesters.
Sifuna, who has emerged as one of the prominent voices within the opposition, criticised the government over its handling of protests and security matters.
“I cannot support and join a government that is killing our people. It is not possible, not possible,” he said.
The opposition has intensified its activities ahead of the 2027 elections, with rival political groups seeking to build grassroots support and challenge Ruto’s administration at the ballot box.
Despite the reported disruptions, the large turnout at the Homa Bay rallies underscored the opposition’s continued ability to mobilise supporters in parts of the country.
