Two journalists have been injured and businesses in Homa Bay Town closed as tension escalated ahead of the planned Linda Mwananchi rally in the county on Sunday, August 16.
AFP journalists Fred Ooko and Brian Ongoro were assaulted by a group of armed youths while covering the tense situation in the town.
The attackers reportedly took the journalists’ press cards, driving licenses, cameras and other personal belongings.
The two journalists were allegedly dragged along the road and beaten with clubs before a boda boda rider intervened and rescued them.
They later reported the incident at Homa Bay Police Station.
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Meanwhile, Homa Bay Town remained largely deserted, with groups of youths blocking several roads and disrupting movement.
Business operations and public transport services were also affected, forcing motorists to use alternative routes as residents kept away from the town center.
Several churches also remained closed amid heightened security concerns ahead of the rally.
The heightened tension comes as the Linda Mwananchi team, led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Suba South MP Caroli Omondi and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, arrived in Suba South Constituency.
The leaders are expected to hold rallies in Nyandiwa and Sindo as part of their ongoing political tour of the region.
