Chaos broke out in Bungoma County on Friday, July 4, after a convoy ferrying top opposition leaders was ambushed and stoned by suspected goons shortly after a rally.
Among those targeted were former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, and other dignitaries on a multi-county opposition tour across Western Kenya.
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According to lawyer Ndegwa Njiru, the convoy was ambushed in Chwele town while en route to Kitale, with reports of gunshots and violent attempts to disrupt their journey.
“We are under heavy attack from government-sponsored goons… They are firing gunshots, aiming at our convoy,” Njiru posted.
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Footage widely circulated on social media showed youths pelting the leaders’ vehicles with stones and brandishing crude weapons.
Former nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba claimed that the goons worked in collaboration with police officers and revealed that one of the leaders sustained serious injuries, including a deep cut to the head, requiring urgent medical evacuation.
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“The police are not stopping them, and it’s clear they are arming goons ahead of Saba Saba protests,” Orwoba alleged.
Despite the violence and destruction, the opposition convoy pressed on and eventually reached Kitale, where they resumed their engagements.
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Addressing Bungoma residents earlier, Rigathi Gachagua reaffirmed the region’s resolve to reclaim political justice and protect democratic ideals.
“Bungoma has reaffirmed that power truly belongs to the people and can only be exercised through their collective will,” he said.
