NAIROBI, Aug 16, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Violence erupted in western Kenya early 
Sunday, with two AFP journalists attacked ahead of an opposition rally whose 
leaders had warned that crowds could be targeted by armed thugs.

The country is due to hold national polls in just under a year, with 
President William Ruto seeking a second term.

Opposition politicians have warned of an increasingly hostile environment, 
and observers have voiced concerns about the use of armed thugs -- known in 
Kenya as goons -- to disrupt political gatherings.

The opposition Linda Mwananchi movement, a group seeking to galvanise 
dissatisfaction over Ruto's tenure, plans to hold a rally with potential 
presidential aspirant Edwin Sifuna on Sunday in Homa Bay.

There were chaotic scenes early Sunday morning in the centre of town, and AFP 
journalist said, with goons attacking passersby and snatching valuables.

AFP video-journalist Fred Ooko and photographer Brian Ongoro said they were 
assaulted by a group of men at around 09:00 am as they walked to the rally 
venue.

Both sustained wounds and had their equipment stolen.

"I fell on the ground and they beat me and kick me and tried to get 
everything from me," said Ooko.

Scores of men, some armed with sticks and machetes, were moving through 
streets, and some had lit tyres or constructed makeshift barricades on the 
main road.

There was no police presence in the town, although officers on the outskirts 
were stopping people travelling into the centre.

Images and video shared on social media, which AFP has not been able to 
independently verify, showed piles of rubble strewn over one of the town's 
main thoroughfares, as well as burning tyres on the roads.

Ahead of the rally, Linda Mwananchi leaders had told local media that goons 
were being mobilised to disrupt the political gathering.

But Homa Bay county governor Gladys Wanga rejected the claims, telling 
reporters all political factions would be welcomed, adding that differences 
"must be settled through ideas and the ballot".

James Orengo, governor of Siaya County north of Homa Bay, said goons 
assaulted convoys en route to the rally.

"This is not the Kenya we want," he told local press.

"Anarchy is the one prevailing," he said, before adding: "the police have 
totally surrendered their authority to the goons".

Kenyan police spokesperson Michael Muchiri issued a statement on Sunday 
offering a "reassurance of safety and security", adding that 15 people had 
been arrested on Saturday.

"Preliminary investigations indicate that they are hired criminals who 
allegedly planned to disrupt political activities in the area," he said.

The statement also warned politicians and organisers against "incitement, 
provocation, or any conduct likely to breach the peace", and emphasised 
officers were "strictly non-partisan".