Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo has raised fresh concerns over violence witnessed during Linda Mwananchi rallies in Homa Bay, alleging that a state-backed group was instructed to target supporters of the opposition movement.
Speaking during a press briefing on Monday, August 17, 2026, Odhiambo claimed that the government had facilitated the recruitment and radicalisation of youths in Homa Bay County ahead of the Linda Mwananchi rallies.
She alleged that the group had been instructed to target, attack and kill members of the movement who attended or planned to attend the political gatherings.
“The instructions given to these state-hired terrorists were to target, attack, and kill members of the Linda Mwananchi movement who attended the rally or would attend the rally,” Odhiambo said.
Odhiambo said members of the public had attended meetings where the alleged plans were discussed and recorded footage of the proceedings, which was subsequently circulated on social media and local media platforms.
She argued that the recordings should have provided government agencies with sufficient information to intervene before the situation escalated.
“The inexplicable impunity with which the recruitment and radicalisation of the youth was undertaken is deeply concerning,” she said.
The former LSK president questioned why institutions responsible for security, elections and prosecution had allegedly failed to act despite the information circulating publicly.
She specifically mentioned the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), National Police Service, Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), arguing that the agencies should have investigated the allegations and taken preventive measures.
“Yet again, nothing was done,” Odhiambo said.
Homa Bay Rallies Marred by Violence
Odhiambo’s remarks came a day after Linda Mwananchi leaders and supporters encountered road blockades, confrontations and attacks during their political tour of Homa Bay on Sunday, August 16, 2026.
Police lobbed teargas to disperse a group that attempted to block the movement’s convoy in Ndhiwa, while tyres were also set ablaze at Oyugis Junction.
The incidents have intensified concerns over political violence as competing factions within and outside ODM seek to consolidate support in Nyanza ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Odhiambo's allegations of state involvement in the violence are serious and have not been independently established in the information provided. Any such claims would require investigation and corroboration by the relevant authorities.
The clashes have nevertheless renewed debate over the safety of political rallies and the responsibility of security agencies to protect political actors and supporters as Kenya enters a more competitive phase of the 2027 election cycle.
