Political strategist and Linda Mwananchi member Pauline Njoroge has given a dramatic account of the violence that disrupted the outfit’s rally in Homa Bay on Sunday, August 16, 2026, saying she and other political leaders were forced to lie low inside their vehicle as stones and bullets flew around them.
Njoroge said she was travelling with former Meru governor Kawira Mwangaza and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi when their vehicle came under attack while they were attempting to leave the scene.
She described Mwangaza as her “big sister”, saying the two developed an even stronger bond after surviving what she characterised as a terrifying ordeal together.
“On Sunday, as bullets and stones flew around us and some hit our car, we lay low on the seats, holding onto each other for safety,” Njoroge said.
According to Njoroge, the tense moment prompted her to tell Mwangaza that the experience would make it impossible for them to stop being friends.
“In that moment, I told her, ‘We can never not be friends after going through this ordeal together.’ I later said the same to Senator Godfrey Osotsi, who was also in the car with us,” she recounted.
Njoroge alleged that their vehicle became trapped after stones and tree branches had been placed across the road. She said the obstruction left the driver unable to immediately move the car as armed men approached.
“With all the stones and tree branches that had been placed on the road by the perpetrators of the violence, our car had gotten stuck and the machete carrying goons came charging towards us,” she said.
The political strategist said the situation became particularly frightening because those inside the vehicle could not safely get out to clear the road.
“The driver was helpless, and no one could even get out to push the car because bullets and stones were flying all over,” she added.
Njoroge recalled that the most frightening moment came when one of their security personnel shouted a warning that they were in serious danger.
“Then one of our security guys shouted, ‘Tumewaiwa, tumeisha!’ That is the most chilling statement I have ever heard,” she said.
Despite the obstruction, Njoroge said their driver eventually managed to manoeuvre the vehicle through the blocked section of the road.
She described the escape as a desperate attempt to catch up with the rest of the convoy, saying the driver accelerated and drove at high speed until they were safely reunited with the other vehicles.
Her account adds to growing concerns over the safety of political leaders, supporters and journalists attending Linda Mwananchi activities, following reports of violence surrounding the group’s events.