Lawyer and political activist Miguna Miguna has criticised Homa Bay leaders Gladys Wanga and Peter Kaluma over tensions surrounding the Linda Mwananchi rally, urging political rivals to compete through ideas rather than intimidation or violence.
His remarks came on Sunday, August 16, as the Linda Mwananchi movement held rallies in Homa Bay amid reports of road blockades, burning tyres and confrontations involving groups opposed to the political tour.
Police were forced to use tear gas in Ndhiwa to disperse a group that allegedly attempted to block the Linda Mwananchi convoy as it travelled towards Homa Bay Town.
Earlier, key roads in Homa Bay had reportedly been blocked with large stones, while tyres were set ablaze at Oyugis Junction as tensions rose ahead of the planned rallies.
In a post on X on Sunday, Miguna directly addressed Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, saying they had no authority to determine who could hold political rallies in the county.
“To Gladys Wanga and Peter Kaluma, you do not own Homa Bay County and have no right to purport to dictate who can or cannot hold political rallies there. If you have disagreements with your real or perceived political opponents or competitors, use reason, logic and ideas to compete against them—not goons, stones, rungus, pangas, threats or intimidation,” Miguna said.
Miguna also criticised Siaya Governor James Orengo over his conduct towards political opponents and accused him of associating with individuals he alleged were involved in organising violence.
“To James Orengo, stop taunting your perceived or real political opponents. Stop running around with known thugs like Babu Patel(Babu Owino) who openly organizes and pays armed goons to provoke opponents and inflict violence on the innocent. If you have a vision, ideas, policies or programs, sell them to the people without unnecessary theatre and taunts,” he added.
His comments came against a backdrop of growing political rivalry between Linda Mwananchi leaders and a section of ODM politicians in Homa Bay.
Kaluma has publicly opposed aspects of the Linda Mwananchi mobilisation, warning its leaders against what he described as political slogans targeting the government.
On Sunday, he said he remained aligned with ODM and the broad-based government and would support President William Ruto in the 2027 election.
Governor Wanga, meanwhile, has called for political tolerance, saying political groups should be allowed to campaign across the country.
“As ODM, we have always been fighters for all freedoms, including the freedom for anyone to tour any place. Anybody is free to come and sell whatever they want in any part of this country,” Wanga said earlier.
Siaya Governor Orengo has also condemned attempts to interfere with the Linda Mwananchi convoy as it moved through Homa Bay.
The National Police Service has separately warned politicians and rally organisers against incitement and conduct likely to undermine public order, directing officers to protect peaceful assembly while maintaining security.
The heightened tensions have placed Homa Bay at the centre of political competition ahead of the 2027 General Election. The county is regarded as an important political base for ODM, making the Linda Mwananchi mobilisation a significant test for the movement as it seeks to expand its influence in Nyanza.
Miguna concluded his message by urging political actors across the divide to reject violence and allow Kenyans to exercise their political freedoms.
“Kenya belongs to all of us and we must condemn thuggery, violence and mayhem regardless of the political affiliation of their propagators.”
The incidents in Homa Bay have renewed concerns over the ability of political rivals to conduct campaigns peacefully as the country moves closer to the 2027 election.