A convoy carrying prominent Kenyan opposition leaders, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, was violently attacked in Chwele town, Bungoma County, during a multi-county tour in Western Kenya.
The ambush, described by lawyer Ndegwa Njiru as orchestrated by “government-sponsored goons”, involved stone-throwing and gunshots, forcing the leaders to detour through a longer route to reach Kitale.
The incident, widely reported by local media, has heightened concerns about political intolerance and state-backed violence as Kenya approaches the Saba Saba Day protests on July 7, 2025.
The attack occurred shortly after a rally in Bungoma town, where the opposition leaders addressed supporters on issues like the Gen Z protests, alleged government abductions, and economic mismanagement under President William Ruto’s administration.
Videos shared online showed chaotic scenes of goons wielding crude weapons and barricading roads, with some alleging involvement of Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa in mobilising the attackers.
“We are under heavy attack… Kitale lazima tufike leo,” Njiru posted, emphasising the group’s determination to continue their mission despite the violence.
The assault left one individual seriously injured, with Senator Gloria Orwoba reporting a deep head cut and multiple injuries on a victim left to bleed out, accusing authorities of arming militias to silence dissent.
Despite the chaos, the leaders reached Kitale, where Gachagua declared Bungoma’s resolve to “rewrite the wrongs of the past” and empower citizens through collective will.
The attack has drawn condemnation from activists and politicians, who cite it as evidence of escalating repression under Ruto’s government, with comparisons to past political violence in Bungoma, including post-election clashes in 2024 that killed 13 and injured hundreds.
Bungoma County, a key political battleground, has a history of unrest, with The Standard noting ongoing fears in areas like Kikwechi village due to prior election-related violence.
Opposition convoy attacked at Chwele, Bungoma County. pic.twitter.com/KrHonF6pRN
— Kavuli M. Bernard (@BernardKavuli) July 4, 2025
