The Linda Mwananchi movement’s tour of Kisii County on Friday was briefly disrupted after a group of individuals attacked the opposition convoy in Keumbu, forcing a temporary halt to the day’s activities before the leaders continued with their scheduled engagements across the county.
The movement, which has been conducting public forums ahead of the 2027 General Election, had attracted large crowds in Mosocho, Keumbu, Keroka and Kisii Town. Among the leaders participating in the tour were former Chief Justice David Maraga, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo and Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi.
The disruption occurred in Keumbu, where the convoy was confronted by a group of individuals who reportedly blocked sections of the Kisii-Keroka road. Opposition leaders alleged that stones were thrown at several vehicles, damaging cars travelling with the convoy. The claims regarding who organized the attackers have not been independently verified, and no authority had publicly attributed responsibility by the time of publication.
Former Chief Justice David Maraga’s vehicle was among those reportedly damaged during the incident, although he was not injured. Despite the disruption, the leaders proceeded with the remainder of their programme, holding subsequent engagements in Keroka and Kisii Town.
A television crew from K24 TV covering the event was also caught up in the violence. The broadcaster said one of its journalists sustained injuries, a television camera was damaged and its news vehicle was vandalised during the attack. The station condemned the incident, describing it as an attack on press freedom while journalists were carrying out their work.
Speaking later during the tour, several opposition leaders condemned the violence and called for political tolerance, maintaining that all parties should be allowed to campaign freely without intimidation.
Maraga used the Kisii forum to urge leaders committed to constitutionalism and accountable governance to work together, saying the movement’s engagements were intended to promote dialogue on the country’s future.
“We need leaders committed to Kenya’s transformation to work together in advancing constitutionalism, the rule of law and inclusive economic opportunities for all citizens,” Maraga said.
He added that the Linda Mwananchi forums were designed to provide a platform for residents to discuss governance, constitutional rights and the country’s political future.
“The Linda Mwananchi forums are expected to bring together residents and leaders from Kisii and Nyamira to discuss governance, constitutional rights and the country’s political future,” Maraga said.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna also condemned the disruption, stating that the attack would not derail the movement’s activities. In a statement shared after the incident, he said, “You can attack our site but not our resolve. Linda Mwananchi is a force whose time has come.”
Friday’s tour formed part of a wider mobilisation campaign by the Linda Mwananchi movement across the country, with leaders using the public forums to address governance, the cost of living, unemployment, constitutionalism, accountability and preparations for the 2027 General Election.
The attack in Keumbu has drawn renewed attention to concerns over political intolerance as parties intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the next election cycle. While opposition leaders accused their political rivals of orchestrating the disruption, those allegations remain unverified, and no official investigation findings or arrests had been announced by the time of publication.
