VIHIGA, Kenya — Political tensions surrounding the Linda Mwananchi mobilisation escalated on Saturday after violent clashes between rival groups left one person dead in Mbale, Vihiga County, and disrupted a major rally in Kakamega.
The fatal incident occurred hours before opposition leaders arrived in Mbale. The deceased was reportedly lynched by a mob after allegedly stabbing an individual believed to support a rival political faction.
Authorities have not publicly confirmed the identities of those involved as investigations continue.
Meanwhile, unrest was also reported at Amalemba Grounds in Kakamega, where the main rally organised by allies of Edwin Sifuna was briefly thrown into chaos when a teargas canister was hurled near the dais.
Supporters linked to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) mobilisation confronted individuals they accused of attempting to disrupt the event. Witness accounts suggested clashes broke out between rival groups amid claims of organised interference.
Seconds after Sifuna began addressing supporters, teargas spread through the crowd, prompting a temporary stampede.
Unlike previous rallies that ended prematurely under similar circumstances, leaders urged calm and insisted the meeting would proceed.
At one point, supporters conducted what they described as a citizens’ arrest, escorting a man suspected of coordinating disruptions to the podium. He was reportedly found with handcuffs, and leaders intervened to prevent the crowd from assaulting him.
“Mimi naandamwa kwa kukumbusha William Ruto kwamba uliweka mkataba na Raila Odinga kwamba utaheshimu haki za watu kukutana kwa amani. Kwa nini unatutupia teargas? Hiyo ni kukiuka mkataba na Baba,” said Sifuna.
Signs of organised confrontation
Tensions had been building even before the rally began. Rival groups were seen moving through Kakamega town carrying placards and chanting political slogans, with some individuals wearing masks and carrying batons.
Separate footage showed another group burning pro-government placards while pledging support to the Linda Mwananchi movement, which positions itself in opposition to the broad-based government associated with William Ruto.
In Mbale, clashes erupted between competing groups ahead of the leaders’ arrival, culminating in the fatal mob incident that has since heightened security concerns around political gatherings.
The violence follows similar disruptions in Kitengela a week earlier, where teargas was used during an opposition event, leaving one person dead and several others injured.
The incidents underscore rising friction within Kenya’s opposition landscape, particularly as internal divisions emerge within ODM and allied movements over strategy, coalition building and relations with government.
Analysts note that repeated disruptions, whether through teargas deployment, street clashes or allegations of hired groups, risk escalating political polarisation ahead of the next electoral cycle.
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Concerns over safety at political events have also been raised by opposition figures including Rigathi Gachagua, leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party, who has previously cited police and non-state actors as obstacles to political mobilisation.
Opposition leaders say they have communicated these concerns to Douglas Kanja, calling for guarantees that political assemblies can proceed without intimidation.
Recent political activity across western Kenya reflects a broader repositioning within the opposition following the death of veteran leader Raila Odinga, whose influence historically shaped ODM’s unity and coalition strategy.
Without that central figure, rival factions are increasingly testing grassroots strength through rallies and mobilisation tours, heightening the likelihood of confrontation where political loyalties overlap.
Security agencies have meanwhile faced growing scrutiny over the management of political gatherings, particularly regarding the use of teargas and intelligence warnings about potential violence.
