Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has condemned the violence reported during the Linda Mwananchi political rally in Homa Bay, describing the incidents as “goonism” and calling for investigations into those accused of orchestrating the disruption.
Salasya said the events witnessed in Homa Bay went beyond ordinary political competition, arguing that the reported violence undermined the public's right to participate freely in political activities.
“What happened in Homa Bay today was not politics. It was goonism, the kind of politics that thrives on fear because it cannot survive an open debate,” Salasya said.
According to the lawmaker, roads were allegedly blocked with burning tyres while vehicles associated with the Linda Mwananchi convoy were pelted with stones. He further claimed that groups of youths armed with crude weapons moved between hotels searching for people linked to the political movement.
The claims come after reports of disruptions along the Linda Mwananchi convoy's route to Homa Bay, with clashes reported in parts of the county and police deploying tear gas to disperse groups of youths.
Salasya said he was particularly concerned by what he described as celebrations by some politicians and their supporters following the disruption.
“The most disturbing part was not only the violence. It was the celebration that followed,” he said, arguing that preventing a political group from addressing residents should not be treated as a political victory.
The MP also raised allegations involving Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Opondo Kaluma, Migori Governor Ochillo Ayacko and MCA Richard Ogindo.
Salasya stressed that the allegations should be subjected to proper investigations rather than treated as established facts. He also referred to footage circulating publicly in which Kaluma was allegedly heard urging supporters to search hotels and remove Linda Mwananchi members.
“These allegations must be investigated properly, and anyone found to have organised, financed, directed or encouraged violence must face the consequences,” Salasya said.
He maintained that political leaders should not determine which groups are allowed to address voters, insisting that Homa Bay residents should be free to listen to Linda Mwananchi, reject its message or support it.
“Homa Bay is not a private political estate,” he said, adding that political decisions should ultimately be made by voters rather than through intimidation or violence.
Salasya further called for both political and criminal accountability if investigations establish that individuals organised or encouraged the reported violence.
“Democracy is not protected by deciding who may speak. It is protected by allowing people to hear every side and make up their own minds,” he said.
The remarks come amid heightened political activity in Homa Bay and growing tensions surrounding rival political formations seeking support in the region ahead of the 2027 General Election.