Kakamega saw heightened political tension on Friday morning after a flight carrying prominent opposition supporters was blocked from landing at Kisumu International Airport. The passengers, including Saboti Member Of Parliament, Caleb Amisi, were heading to the much-anticipated Linda Mwananchi rally, led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Member of Parliament Babu Owino, Senator James Orengo, and other opposition figures.
According to Amisi, the plane was forced to change course mid-air and eventually landed at Webuye Airport. He described the move as an intimidation attempt, carried out with the aid of police officers and unidentified enforcers. This disruption has raised concerns about the increasing obstacles facing political gatherings in the country.
Despite the unexpected detour, the rally preparations continued in Kakamega, where thousands of supporters were already gathering at the Amalemba Grounds. The event is part of the broader Linda Mwananchi initiative, which aims to engage ordinary citizens in discussions on governance, development, and social issues affecting their communities.