Siaya Governor James Orengo has announced plans to take legal action against Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja over what he says was a failure by the police to protect the Linda Mwananchi convoy during political rallies in Homa Bay County.
Orengo was among a group of leaders whose convoy came under attack by groups of youths at Rodi Kopany as they travelled to attend planned rallies in Sindo and Homa Bay Town. Stones were reportedly thrown at vehicles in the convoy, forcing police officers to use tear gas to disperse the attackers. Officers later escorted the leaders as they continued with their journey.
Speaking about the incident, Orengo questioned why police officers had not been deployed in sufficient numbers along the route despite security agencies being informed about the planned political gatherings.
He accused the police of allowing groups of youths to take control of areas where political leaders and their supporters were expected to pass.
“At a centre like Rodi Kopany, the police should have been there, but you can see the police have totally given up and surrendered their authority to the goons,” Orengo said.
The confrontation happened at a time when political tensions in Homa Bay had increased over the Linda Mwananchi movement. Organisers had previously expressed concern that some groups could attempt to disrupt the rallies.
Police had been notified about the planned meetings, while Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo had assured the public that security agencies would provide protection and ensure that the gatherings remained peaceful.
The unrest also affected members of the media covering the political activities. AFP correspondent Fred Ooko was reportedly assaulted and robbed of his camera and driving licence while covering events in Homa Bay Town.
Orengo said the incidents raised serious questions about the ability of the National Police Service to protect political leaders, supporters and members of the public during public gatherings.
The governor said he intends to pursue the matter in court, arguing that the police leadership should explain why adequate security was not provided despite receiving information about the planned rallies.
The planned legal action could place the conduct of security agencies under further scrutiny, particularly over their responsibility to protect citizens taking part in peaceful political activities.
It also adds a legal dimension to the growing political tensions surrounding the Linda Mwananchi movement and the events witnessed in Homa Bay.
