Amnesty International Kenya has called for urgent investigations into incidents of violence and disruption reported in Homa Bay during the Linda Mwananchi movement’s tour of the county on Sunday.
In a statement issued on August 16, 2026, Amnesty Executive Director George Morara said the organisation was concerned about reported attacks on journalists, disruption of media broadcasts, destruction of property, road blockades and intimidation linked to political activities.
“We are equally concerned by allegations that the police and other security agencies failed to take timely and effective action to prevent the violence and protect affected persons,” read a statement.
Morara said reports indicated that groups allegedly targeted accommodation facilities suspected of hosting Linda Mwananchi leaders or their supporters.
Amnesty also raised concerns over the response of police and other security agencies, questioning whether sufficient action was taken to prevent the violence and protect those affected.
The organisation said the incidents threatened constitutional rights including freedom of expression, media freedom, movement, peaceful assembly and political participation.
It called on the National Police Service and other authorities to restore security and protect journalists, human rights defenders, political actors, businesses and residents.
Amnesty further demanded prompt and independent investigations into the reported incidents, including alleged attacks on journalists, property destruction, disruption of broadcasts and intimidation.
It also called for the NCIC, National Police Service and ODPP to investigate and, where appropriate, prosecute individuals accused of inciting violence, hate or attacks against political opponents, journalists or members of the public.
Meanwhile, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino criticised what he described as political intimidation during the Linda Mwananchi tour, urging leaders to address issues affecting young people, particularly unemployment.
Speaking as the movement toured Homa Bay, Babu alleged that groups were being used to silence people raising concerns about challenges facing Kenyans.
“When we want to speak and address these issues affecting our people and society, they send us goons, and yet our youth have no employment,” Babu said.
His remarks came amid reports of road blockades and confrontations along routes used by the Linda Mwananchi convoy.
Police were deployed to provide security, with officers using tear gas in Ndhiwa to disperse a group that allegedly attempted to block the convoy.
Linda Mwananchi spokesperson Caroli Omondi thanked residents who supported the movement and helped clear roads for the convoy, saying their actions demonstrated support for democracy.
“I want to thank you, our people, who took a firm stance and opened the roads and welcomed us and said democracy must be in Kenya,” he said.