By Faith Anene, Kakamega
Opposition leaders on Thursday lashed out at Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa after their convoy was briefly blocked by rowdy youths while en route to a political rally in Kakamega County.
The team led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa, former Public Service CS Justin Muturi, and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya encountered burning tyres and barricades on a section of the highway.
The youths, captured in widely circulated videos and images, lit fires and forced motorists, including the opposition motorcade, to divert. The disruption was swiftly quelled by police officers who dispersed the group and cleared the way.
Speaking at Amalemba Grounds in Kakamega shortly after the rally resumed, the leaders accused Governor Barasa of sponsoring the blockade, an allegation he has not yet publicly responded to.
Former CS Matiang’i called the incident “an act of stupidity,” adding, “We are in a democracy. No one has the power to dictate who can or cannot hold a political rally in this region. Let Barasa know that Kenya belongs to all of us.”
Former Deputy President Gachagua echoed the sentiments, saying: “This is a sign of panic. If Governor Barasa is confident in his leadership, he should welcome competition. Intimidation belongs to the past.”
Cleophas Malala, UDA Secretary-General and former Kakamega Senator, also weighed in, warning that such tactics would backfire. “Barasa should know that suppressing democratic space is not leadership. People will resist that kind of control,” Malala said.
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, who also addressed the crowd, criticized the growing trend of political intolerance. “What happened today is unacceptable. You cannot block leaders simply because you disagree with them. Kenya must not return to the dark days of political repression,” Natembeya said.
The leaders affirmed their commitment to touring the entire Western region, saying no amount of intimidation would stop them from engaging with wananchi.
The incident echoed similar chaos in Meru County on June 21, when Gachagua and other leaders faced resistance from youths who blocked the Meru–Mikinduri highway. In that case, local residents intervened and cleared the road for the opposition convoy.
