The National Police Service (NPS) has issued a stern warning to politicians and their supporters to maintain peace, as tensions simmer ahead of a Linda Mwananchi political rally in Homa Bay on Sunday, August 16.
In a statement Sunday morning, NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said officers had already intercepted a plot to disrupt political activities.
He explained that 15 suspects were arrested last evening while on transit, presumably to Homa Bay.
"Acting within its mandate to maintain law and order and following intelligence-led operations, officers intercepted and arrested fifteen suspects on August 15 along the Kisumu–Kericho Road," Nyaga said.
According to Nyaga, the suspects were found in possession of various crude weapons.
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They were taken into custody pending court arraignment.
"Preliminary investigations indicate that they are hired criminals who allegedly planned to disrupt political activities in the area," he said.
The rally comes amid a tense build-up in Homa Bay, long regarded as an ODM stronghold aligned with President William Ruto ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Linda Mwananchi, a breakaway faction comprising former ODM secretary-general Edwin Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and other party rebels opposed to Ruto's re-election, has vowed to field its own presidential candidate, with Sifuna understood to be the frontrunner.
Ahead of the caravan, there had been claims that Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, both aligned with the pro-Ruto wing of ODM, had organised goons to block the convoy.
On Sunday, roads were reportedly barricaded with stones in an attempt to stop the Linda Mwananchi procession, with skirmishes breaking out as rebel-aligned groups cleared the barricades amid stone-throwing between rival camps.
Addressing the volatile atmosphere, Nyaga directly warned political actors against inciting violence.
"The National Police Service warns politicians, organisers, and all other individuals against incitement, provocation, or any conduct likely to breach the peace. Offenders will face the full force of the law," he said.
The NPS further instructed officers deployed to political gatherings to exercise restraint and adhere to the police standing orders.
"All officers deployed to political events or public gatherings are directed to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, impartiality, and restraint. They must facilitate the right to peaceful assembly while ensuring public order and safety, and remain strictly guided by the Standard Operating Procedures. Any individual found to be facilitating violence, disorder, or unlawful activity will be dealt with firmly and in accordance with the law, without exception," Nyaga said.
The NPS also urged the public to report suspicious activity at the nearest police station.
Nyaga reaffirmed the service's neutrality amid the deepening political rivalry in various parts of the country.
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