A political tour by the Linda Mwananchi movement descended into chaos on Sunday after its leaders and supporters were attacked in Nyahururu, Laikipia County, in the latest incident highlighting growing political tensions ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The violence erupted after the delegation attended a church service before proceeding to address supporters, with leaders alleging that groups of armed youths disrupted the event by pelting stones at vehicles and supporters.
The movement, which brings together opposition leaders campaigning under the Linda Mwananchi banner, condemned the incident as a calculated attempt to intimidate its supporters and curtail its political activities.
Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata, who was part of the delegation, claimed his driver sustained a gunshot injury during the melee and was rushed to hospital for treatment.
"My driver, Gitari, was shot and is receiving treatment. We condemn this violence in the strongest terms," Mr Kang'ata said.
He also alleged that his official vehicle was intercepted and damaged during the confrontation, accusing security agencies of failing to provide adequate protection despite being aware of the leaders' itinerary.
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi termed the attack "an assault on democracy", saying political competition should not be reduced to violence.
"We cannot normalise attacks against leaders and citizens exercising their constitutional rights. Those responsible must be brought to justice," he said.
Linda Mwananchi spokesperson Caroli Omondi said his vehicle was vandalised during the incident, adding that several supporters fled for safety as the violence escalated.
The leaders alleged that the attack was orchestrated by political opponents seeking to frustrate the movement's grassroots mobilisation campaign, although they did not immediately provide evidence to support the claims.
The incident came hours after another confrontation was reported in Kisumu, where armed youths attempted to disrupt a church service attended by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo. Police fired teargas to disperse the crowd as tensions flared, with one person reportedly injured and several motorcycles set ablaze.
Sunday's incidents have renewed concerns over increasing political intolerance as parties begin positioning themselves for the 2027 elections.
The opposition has repeatedly accused the government of tolerating violence against its supporters, pointing to previous disruptions of political meetings in different parts of the country.
The government has consistently denied the allegations, insisting that security agencies are politically neutral and are mandated to protect all Kenyans regardless of political affiliation.
By Sunday evening, police had not issued a comprehensive statement on the Nyahururu violence. However, officers were reported to have launched investigations into the circumstances surrounding the alleged shooting and destruction of property.
The latest confrontation is expected to pile pressure on security agencies to ensure rival political camps are able to hold meetings without intimidation, as calls grow for restraint and respect for constitutional freedoms during the country's increasingly heated political season.
