The Linda Mwananchi movement has escalated its demands for accountability over the violence that disrupted its political activities in Homa Bay County, calling for investigations into the conduct of security officers during the incidents.
In a statement issued on Monday, August 17, the movement alleged that Sunday's violence was not a spontaneous confrontation but a coordinated operation targeting its leadership and supporters. The claims have not been independently verified.
Linda Mwananchi said its convoy faced a series of roadblocks and barricades as it travelled from the Kisumu-Homa Bay border, with the disruption continuing in different parts of Homa Bay.
The group claimed that some police officers stationed along the route failed to protect its members and, in some instances, appeared to facilitate the disruption.
The movement also raised concerns over the alleged presence of armed individuals who it said were positioned along the convoy's route and opened fire.
According to Linda Mwananchi, one of the most significant developments occurred in Nyandiwa, where supporters allegedly detained a man travelling in an unmarked black Toyota Prado.
The organisation said the man identified himself as an officer of the National Intelligence Service (NIS). His phone was reportedly taken and remains in the group's possession.
Linda Mwananchi claimed that calls were later made to the phone by people identifying themselves as senior police officers and demanding its return.
The movement said it was treating the device as evidence and would consult its lawyers before deciding on further action. It also indicated that it could engage independent oversight and investigative institutions.
Deaths and injuries
Linda Mwananchi said the violence resulted in deaths, injuries and extensive damage to vehicles.
The movement reported that 18 people had been treated following the incidents, with 12 evacuated to Kisumu for specialised medical attention.
It said seven people had since been discharged, while two underwent surgery. One person reportedly underwent a leg amputation, while two others died from injuries sustained during the violence.
The group expressed condolences to affected families and called for the deaths not to be reduced to a footnote in Kenya's political history.
Leaders challenged to explain
The movement challenged Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Suba South MP Peter Opondo Kaluma, Kwabwai Ward MCA Richard Ouma Ogindo and other county leaders whose names had allegedly emerged in relation to the violence to publicly account for what happened.
Linda Mwananchi questioned whether the leaders were aware of the events and whether they took steps to prevent the violence.
It also singled out police officers in Nyandiwa and Sindo for praise, saying they refused to participate in efforts to disrupt its activities.
The organisation further thanked medical workers in Homa Bay and Kisumu for treating injured supporters, as well as politicians Millie Odhiambo and former Siaya Governor Ruth Odinga for publicly condemning the violence.
Calls for security agencies to account
Linda Mwananchi called on the Inspector General of Police, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Director General of the NIS to explain the presence, conduct and alleged coordination of their personnel during the incidents.
The group accused the security agencies of failing in their constitutional responsibility to protect citizens exercising their political rights.
It maintained that it would pursue accountability through the courts and other lawful institutions.
The statement ended with a warning that the violence would not force the movement to abandon its activities, declaring that Linda Mwananchi would continue with its political campaign.
The allegations against security agencies and county leaders remain claims by Linda Mwananchi, and the affected institutions and individuals would need to respond to the accusations.