Tensions flared in Bungoma County on Friday, July 4, after a convoy ferrying key opposition figures was violently attacked by suspected goons in Chwele Town, disrupting their political rally en route to Kitale.
The targeted convoy included high-profile leaders such as former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya. The opposition is currently traversing the Western region on a multi-county tour aimed at amplifying citizen voices and spotlighting growing concerns around governance, state excesses, and the Gen Z-led protests.
CHAOS IN CHWELE: STONES, CLUBS, AND GUNFIRE
The situation turned chaotic when hordes of individuals armed with stones, clubs, and crude weapons descended on the convoy shortly after a rally concluded. According to lawyer and activist Ndegwa Njiru, who was present during the attack, the convoy was ambushed while heading to Kitale.
“We are under heavy attack by what appear to be government-sponsored goons. Gunshots were fired and stones rained down on our vehicles. We had no option but to retreat to safety,” Njiru reported.
Widely circulated video clips on social media showed dozens of attackers pelting the convoy with stones, shouting down the leaders, and blocking their path. Some were seen wielding knives, and opposition figures claim the attackers were aided by law enforcement officers.
OPPOSITION: POLICE COLLUDING WITH HIRED MILITIA
Former nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba condemned the attack, stating that police officers were visibly collaborating with the attackers rather than preventing the violence.
“The police didn’t intervene. In fact, they enabled the goons, arming them and letting them scatter the rally. This is a clear rehearsal for what they intend to do on Saba Saba Day,” she said.
She further revealed that one of the opposition leaders suffered serious injuries and had to be rushed to a local hospital.
“He had a deep gash on his head and several lacerations on his body. He was bleeding profusely and left unattended until we evacuated him. It is shocking that those meant to protect us are fueling political violence,” Orwoba added.
DEFIANT OPPOSITION CONTINUES WESTERN TOUR
Despite the aggression, the opposition convoy regrouped and proceeded to Kitale, where they resumed their engagements undeterred. The Western tour is focused on mobilizing public support, defending constitutional freedoms, and uniting opposition forces ahead of the 2027 General Election.
While addressing the public in Bungoma earlier that day, Rigathi Gachagua praised the county’s democratic spirit, saying:
“Bungoma has always been a beacon of courage and political clarity. Today, the people have reaffirmed that true power lies with the citizens, and it must be exercised through their collective voice.”
SEO-OPTIMIZED SUMMARY:
- Opposition convoy attacked in Chwele, Bungoma, while heading to Kitale on July 4, 2025.
- Rigathi Gachagua, Kalonzo Musyoka, Fred Matiang’i, and George Natembeya were among leaders in the convoy.
- Leaders blame police for working with goons to disrupt the rally, one politician injured in the chaos.
- Video footage shows attackers armed with stones and knives, forcing the convoy to flee temporarily.
- Opposition vows to continue Western Kenya tour despite violence, pushing back against state intimidation.
