The Linda Mwananchi movement has accused security agencies and unnamed political actors of being involved in the violence that disrupted its tour of Homa Bay County on Sunday, August 16, 2026.
In a statement issued on Monday, August 17, the movement described the incidents as a coordinated campaign to disrupt its activities and intimidate its leaders and supporters. However, the allegations have not been independently verified.
Linda Mwananchi claimed its convoy encountered blocked roads and barricades from the Kisumu-Homa Bay border through Homa Bay, with several police roadblocks allegedly encountered along the route.
The movement further alleged that some police officers failed to protect its supporters and instead appeared to operate alongside individuals it described as attackers.
“Most alarming was the presence of armed individuals positioned in bushes along our route who fired directly at the Linda Mwananchi convoy,” the statement said.
“This was not crowd chaos. It was an ambush!”
The organisation also claimed that its supporters apprehended a man in Nyandiwa who was allegedly travelling with some of the attackers in an unmarked black Toyota Prado.
According to the statement, the man identified himself as an officer of the National Intelligence Service (NIS), while his mobile phone was taken into the custody of Linda Mwananchi supporters.
The movement said it had subsequently received calls to the phone from people claiming to be senior police officers and demanding its return.
It said the device would be treated as evidence and that its legal team would advise on the next steps, including possible engagement with independent oversight and investigative bodies.
Linda Mwananchi said the violence left several people injured and vehicles damaged. It reported that 18 people had received medical treatment, with 12 evacuated to Kisumu for specialised care. Seven had reportedly been discharged, two underwent surgery, one underwent a leg amputation, while two people died from their injuries.
The movement called on Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, MP Peter Opondo Kaluma, Kwabwai Ward MCA Richard Ouma Ogindo and other county leaders whose names had emerged in connection with the incidents to publicly explain their role, if any, in the violence.
It also praised police officers in Nyandiwa and Sindo whom it said refused to participate in efforts to disrupt its rallies, as well as medical workers who treated injured supporters.
Linda Mwananchi called on the Inspector General of Police, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the NIS Director General to explain the presence and conduct of their officers during the incidents.
The movement maintained that it would pursue accountability through the courts and other lawful institutions.
“Linda Mwananchi will not be intimidated into silence,” the statement concluded, warning that the Homa Bay incidents would not deter its activities.