Mulembe Times
Tension gripped Chwele in Bungoma County on Friday after a group of unidentified youths disrupted the Opposition’s Mulembe Nation tour by hurling stones at the leaders’ convoy, sparking moments of chaos and a temporary traffic snarl-up.
The incident occurred as the high-profile Opposition team, led by former Deputy President and Democratic Change Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, and former Attorney General Justin Muturi, made their way to Bungoma town.
Eyewitnesses reported that the convoy came under attack near Chwele market, forcing security personnel and local leaders to intervene quickly to avoid escalation. The motorcade was briefly halted as leaders attempted to calm the situation and ensure safety before proceeding with their engagements.
While no serious injuries were reported, several vehicles were damaged, and the disruption triggered a public outcry over the safety of political leaders and the increasing polarization of national politics.
Opposition Leaders Undeterred
Despite the attack, the Opposition leaders pressed on with their agenda, continuing to engage with residents across Bungoma County and reiterating their calls for President William Ruto to step down.
In a fiery speech delivered to residents shortly after the incident, Gachagua said the movement to oust Ruto was unstoppable and accused the government of sponsoring chaos to silence dissenting voices.
“Hapa ni Wantam! Kasongo aende asiende,” Gachagua declared, using the code name “Kasongo” for President Ruto. “Mimi na Muturi tumetumwa na watu wa mlima, pale mlimani tumefungia Kasongo. Kifunguo ikona Justin Muturi. Funguo ikipotea, utajibu watu wa Bungoma.”
The metaphorical remarks drew cheers from supporters, with many interpreting Gachagua’s words as a signal of a coordinated and strategic move by Mt. Kenya and Western leaders to lock out Ruto politically.
Kalonzo Musyoka, speaking moments later, condemned the incident and called for political tolerance. “Democracy cannot thrive where stones are thrown at leaders. We are here to listen, engage, and unite Kenyans—not to divide them,” he said.
Day Two of Mulembe Tour
The stoning incident marked a dramatic moment in what was otherwise a packed second day of the Opposition’s Mulembe Nation tour, an initiative aimed at consolidating Western Kenya’s support against the Ruto administration.
The day began in Butula Constituency, Busia County, where the leaders presided over the official launch of new Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) offices—signaling renewed efforts to strengthen party infrastructure in the region.
From Butula, the team moved to Bungoma County, where they held a series of roadside meetings before heading to Kiminini in Trans Nzoia County to wrap up the day.
Governor Natembeya, who has emerged as a key figure in the Western political realignment, used the platform to urge unity among Mulembe leaders, accusing the Kenya Kwanza government of economic mismanagement and neglecting the region’s development priorities.
Growing Political Tension
The attack on the convoy has raised alarm over increasing political hostility in Western Kenya—a region that has recently become a battleground for competing 2027 presidential ambitions.
Analysts warn that such incidents, if left unchecked, could spiral into wider unrest as politicians intensify campaigns under the guise of “development tours.”
Local leaders in Bungoma have called on the police to launch immediate investigations and bring the culprits to justice. “We cannot allow political thuggery to take root here,” said Bungoma Senator Wafula Wamunyinyi. “Those responsible must face the law.”
The Opposition’s Mulembe Nation tour is expected to continue in the coming days with stops in Kakamega, Vihiga, and Busia counties.
