Linda Mwananchi-aligned political activist Nuru Okanga has accused Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga of sending goons to Nairobi to target him and other supporters of Linda Mwananchi, days after violence disrupted the movement’s rally in Homa Bay.
Okanga claimed that individuals allegedly linked to Wanga had been looking for him and his colleagues after they publicly defended Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna over the clashes witnessed during the Homa Bay political event.
Addressing Wanga, Okanga urged her to stop what he described as the politics of goonism and instead report him to the police if she believed he had committed an offence.
“Instead of sending goons to look for me, kindly report me to the nearest police station. Let them summon me, and I will appear,” Okanga said.
His remarks came amid continuing political fallout over the violence that rocked the Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay. The clashes left people injured, vehicles damaged and raised questions over the safety of political gatherings, with competing political camps trading accusations over who was responsible.
Okanga further alleged that similar attacks had previously targeted Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata and members of the Linda Mwananchi movement without resulting in arrests. He did not provide evidence in his remarks to substantiate the allegations against Wanga.
“These goons will one day turn against you,” Okanga warned, while saying he would defend himself if allegedly threatened or attacked.
He also claimed that people allegedly sent to monitor him had visited the Jacaranda area in Nairobi, where he has been conducting political activities. Okanga said he and his colleagues would not tolerate intimidation, insisting that they wanted political disagreements to be handled peacefully.
The activist also addressed the governor personally, asking her to stop what he termed threats against him.
“We should not be threatened simply because we oppose this government,” he said, adding that his previous comments about Wanga had included an expression of admiration.
Okanga's remarks come as scrutiny surrounding the Homa Bay violence continues, with political leaders and civil society groups calling for investigations into the clashes and attacks reported during the rally.
Wanga has faced accusations from sections of the opposition over the violence, but allegations linking her personally to the deployment of goons have not been independently established.
Okanga concluded by accusing the governor of contributing to divisions among residents during the Homa Bay confrontation. He claimed the violence had turned residents against one another and invoked the deaths reported during the clashes.
The allegations are likely to intensify political tensions between supporters of the Linda Mwananchi movement and leaders associated with the Kenya Kwanza administration as the country moves closer to the 2027 General Election.