How police protected goons attacking Linda Mwananchi convoy

Several people were injured as goons blocked a Linda Mwanchi convoy at Keumbu, Nyaribari Chache in Kisii County on July 3, 2026. [Sammy Omingo, Standard]

They were bold. Operating in the full glare of cameras and police officers without showing the slightest sign of fear, the entire operation appeared carefully choreographed. The suspected hired goons, believed to enjoy the backing of local authorities, wreaked havoc on a Linda Mwananchi rally in Kisii.

Although the opposition leaders  successfully held rallies across the region, the attack on their convoy at Keumbu once again exposed the state's underbelly in allegedly promoting political hooliganism.

The warning signs were glaring earlier in the day when a group of youths staged a protest in Kisii Town. They were complaining about what they described as an underpayment for an assignment to block the Linda Mwananchi leaders from accessing the town. The disgruntled youths claimed they had only received Sh500 instead of the Sh1,500 promised by a powerful politician to disrupt the convoy.

The youths had spent the entire day gathering at the Kisii Agricultural Training Centre awaiting the full payment. They later staged protests at the venue where the Linda Mwananchi brigade addressed a mammoth crowd, chanting "One Term" slogans targeting President William Ruto and Governor Simba Arati.

However, the relative calm was short-lived. Another group targeted the opposition convoy in Keumbu Town, pelting the vehicles and supporters with stones and sticks. The goons unleashed terror on the politicians and their supporters while police officers watched the chaos unfold from a distance.

Several people were injured as they scampered for safety, though no fatalities have been reported, according to Kisii Police Commander Ronald Kirui. Kirui noted, however, that no formal report or complaint had been lodged at any police station regarding the incident.

Confidential sources told The Sunday Standard that the youth who attacked the convoy had been mobilized by a local governor and an influential MP, who allegedly used boda boda groups to orchestrate the ambush.

The attack happened on Friday evening, shortly after the Linda Mwananchi team concluded their main address. The convoy included Siaya Governor James Orengo, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi, among other leaders. Green Party Movement presidential flag bearer David Maraga and Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata were also caught up in the melee as the convoy left Kisii Town.

Several people were injured as goons blocked a Linda Mwanchi convoy at Keumbu, Nyaribari Chache in Kisii County on July 3, 2026. [Sammy Omingo, Standard]

The violence in Keumbu Town caught the Linda Mwananchi brigade flat-footed, coming just hours after they had vowed to deal firmly with organized hooliganism during their Gusii tour. While addressing a massive crowd at the Kisii roundabout earlier, the politicians had warned that they would crack down on any goons hired by their Broad-Based political rivals.

"We were informed that we would be given Sh1,500, but at the end of the day, we only received Sh500... it is a big disgrace to us," a rider who sought anonymity for fear of reprisal said.

The opposition leaders, who held a series of rallies across both Kisii and Nyamira counties, vowed to solidify the Nyanza and Western voting blocs to draw up a winning strategy against President William Ruto ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Governor Orengo criticised the security agencies for failing to protect them. "It is shameful that the police escorted the goons who pelted our convoy with stones," Orengo said. He added that the Linda Mwananchi brigade is determined to maintain the political footprint of the late opposition chief Raila Odinga, urging his former strongholds to remain united under the new united opposition front.

Linda Mwanachi leaders led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna held a series of rallies in Kisii County. [Linda Mwanachi, X]

The series of rallies, which swept through Kitutu Chache South, Kisii Town, Keumbu Market, and Keroka Town, were attended by a host of leaders including Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, and MPs Majimbo Kalasinga (Kabuchai), Clive Gisairo (Kitutu Masaba), Obadiah Barongo (Bomachoge Borabu), Joseph Kimilu (Kathiani), and Godfrey Oundo (Funyula).

Mr. Maraga, who has declared his intention to run for the presidency, announced plans to join forces with the rest of the opposition to produce a single, formidable candidate to challenge the current administration.

"The only option we have as Kenyans against the reigning government is to save ourselves. If we cannot unite, we will perish as a state that has totally failed due to bad governance," Maraga stated.

Senator Sifuna echoed these sentiments, adding that the Linda Mwananchi brigade will seek to bring former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i and other leaders into the fold.

"We shall seek out Matiang'i and the other presidential hopefuls to make them understand the urgency of our mission. By building a united opposition with a single formidable candidate, we shall prevail against Ruto at the polls," Sifuna said.