Kenya opposition rally violence erupts in Homa Bay

Violence broke out in Homa Bay in western Kenya early Sunday before a planned opposition Linda Mwananchi rally, with an AFP journalist seeing groups of men attack passersby, take valuables, burn tyres and block a main road.

The movement, which seeks to mobilise dissatisfaction over President William Ruto's tenure, planned to hold the rally with potential presidential aspirant Edwin Sifuna. Kenya is due to hold national polls in just under a year, with Ruto seeking a second term.

The AFP journalist described chaotic scenes in the town centre, where scores of men, some armed with sticks and machetes, moved through streets. The journalist said there was no police presence in town, although officers on the outskirts were stopping people travelling into the centre. The situation shortly before midday remained chaotic.

Linda Mwananchi leaders had told local media before the rally that armed groups were being mobilised to disrupt it. Homa Bay county governor Gladys Wanga rejected the claims and said all political factions would be welcomed.

Siaya County governor James Orengo said convoys heading to the rally had been assaulted. Kenyan police spokesperson Michael Muchiri said 15 people had been arrested on Saturday and that preliminary investigations indicated they were "hired criminals" who allegedly planned to disrupt political activities in the area. He said police were non-partisan and warned politicians and organisers against conduct likely to breach the peace.