Linda Mwananchi condemns attack on Kalonzo in Migori

In a statement issued on Friday, the movement said the incident during Kalonzo's political tour on Thursday raised concerns over the safety of leaders and supporters engaging in political activities.

The Movement accused President William Ruto's administration of fueling political intolerance, claiming that the government had already sensed defeat and urged security agencies to investigate the attack and ensure those responsible are held accountable.

"Yesterday's vicious attacks in Migori County on a peaceful campaign caravan led by Kalonzo confirm what the entire country has always suspected; having completely lost the support of Kenyans, William Ruto and his stooges in the broad-based regime now seek to carve out a political enclave in the Nyanza region, for purposes of conducting electoral theft," stated Head of Communication Pauline Njoroge.

"We condemn the attacks on Kalonzo's campaign convoy and demand that those responsible be brought to book."

The movement further cautioned against what it described as attempts to use violence and intimidation to restrict political competition, saying Kenyans should be free to support different political formations without fear.

It also called on young people to reject political divisions and remain vigilant against violence as the country approaches the next election.

"We urge Kenyans, especially to the youth, to resist this regime's desperate attempts to sow violence and division ahead of the elections," the statement added.

Despite the disruption, the opposition leaders vowed to continue with their political engagements, insisting that intimidation would not stop them from reaching out to Kenyans.

The Linda Mwananchi Movement also criticised what it termed attempts to portray residents of Nyanza as intolerant, arguing that the actions of individuals should not be used to characterise an entire region.

"We condemn the unending attempts by the regime to paint the people of Nyanza, who have always been the true vanguards of democracy and political pluralism, as intolerant and unwelcoming, based on the actions of state-hired goons and known violence merchants," stated LMM.

"This ambition by the outgoing regime to create enclaves and install warlords will be scattered to the four winds, in the exact manner that colonialism and dictatorship have been previously defeated in this country."

The Edwin Sifuna-led faction also warned against the use of political violence to create divisions along regional or political lines, saying the country should protect democratic participation and political pluralism.

The movement claimed that an atmosphere of fear and chaos could create room for electoral malpractice, urging political leaders to uphold constitutional principles and the rule of law.

The statement comes a day after Kalonzo and a delegation of opposition leaders encountered violence during their engagements in Migori County.

The Thursday incident involved suspected goons who reportedly hurled stones at the opposition convoy, damaging vehicles, including the car belonging to former Attorney-General Justin Muturi. Police officers also deployed tear gas as tensions escalated around the gathering.

Kalonzo condemned the attack, questioning why police used tear gas against people attending what he described as a peaceful meeting.

"The police lobbed tear gas, why? A very peaceful meeting. I think the script is throw the stone and then throw teargas. Just like Garissa, a few goons whom we could count up to ten must have started throwing stones," he stated.

Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino also came out to condemn the attack, warning against rising political intolerance as political mobilisation gathers momentum ahead of the 2027 General Election.