Transport was temporarily disrupted along the busy Kisumu-Kakamega road on Thursday, July 3, after a group of rowdy youths lit bonfires in an apparent attempt to stop opposition leaders from accessing the region.
According to videos and photos shared online by Kenyans.co.ke, a group of young men were seen burning tyres in the middle of the highway, creating huge plumes of smoke and causing panic among road users.
The unexpected chaos forced several motorists to abandon the main road and use alternative routes to avoid the commotion.
However, the tension was short-lived as police officers in the area acted swiftly. They arrived at the scene in time, dispersed the youth, and managed to clear the road, restoring order and allowing traffic to resume.
The incident happened just hours before a high-profile opposition team was scheduled to arrive in Kakamega County. The group was led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accompanied by former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i and Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
Other key political figures who were part of the convoy included DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa, former Public Service CS Justin Muturi, and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.
Despite the clear attempt to block them from entering Western Kenya, the opposition leaders managed to gain smooth access into the region and held a political rally as planned.
While addressing the crowd in Kakamega, Matiang’i did not hold back his criticism. He directly blamed Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, accusing him of being behind the chaos. Matiang’i alleged that Barasa had sponsored the youth to interfere with their rally.
He strongly condemned the action, calling it foolishness and an attack on democratic values. According to Matiang’i, every politician in Kenya, regardless of their political side, deserves to be heard and to engage with the public.
“We have witnessed a governor who was elected by Kenyans trying to prevent us from entering this region. That’s pure foolishness because this is a democratic country,” Matiang’i told the residents.
“Do you all belong to the governor? How then can he decide who is allowed in and who is not? Go tell him this is a democracy. He, too, has the freedom to hold his own rally anywhere in Kenya, even in Kisii,” Matiang’i added, drawing cheers from the crowd.
This incident adds to a growing list of confrontations the opposition leaders have faced recently. Just last month on June 21, Gachagua and his team faced a similar situation in Meru County. Youths blocked the Meru–Mikinduri road, temporarily halting their journey.
But just like in Kakamega, the situation was brought under control by local residents who turned against the goons. The community stepped in, chased the troublemakers away, and cleared the road, allowing the opposition convoy to proceed with their visit to Meru.
The opposition has since vowed not to be intimidated and insists it will continue with its nationwide tours to engage with the people across different regions, regardless of the political climate.
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