Chaos Erupts in Siaya as Vehicles Are Damaged at Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi’s Residence Ahead of ODM Linda Ground Rally
Several vehicles were damaged on Friday after a group of youths clashed near the residence of Alego Usonga Member of Parliament Samuel Atandi in Siaya County, in an incident linked to rising political tensions ahead of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Linda Ground rally in Siaya Town.
According to eyewitnesses, the unrest broke out in the afternoon as rival groups of youths converged in the area while preparations for the highly anticipated rally were underway. Stones were reportedly hurled during the confrontation, leaving a number of vehicles parked within and around the MP’s residence damaged. Windscreens were shattered, body panels dented, and panic spread among residents as the situation escalated rapidly.
Residents described the scenes as chaotic, with traders hurriedly closing their shops and pedestrians scrambling for safety. “We heard loud bangs and people screaming. At first, we thought it was normal political chanting, but it quickly turned violent,” said one shopkeeper who witnessed the clashes from a nearby business premises.
Police officers were later deployed to restore calm, dispersing the youths and securing the area around the MP’s home. No fatalities were reported, though the extent of injuries, if any, remained unclear by the time of reporting. Authorities said investigations were underway to establish the exact cause of the clashes and to identify those responsible for the destruction of property.
The incident comes against the backdrop of heightened political mobilization in Siaya County, a traditional stronghold of Orange Democratic Movement. The Linda Ground rally has attracted significant attention, with party leaders framing it as a show of grassroots strength and unity. However, critics have warned that intense political competition, especially at the local level, risks spilling over into violence if not carefully managed.
Leaders from across the political divide condemned the destruction of property and called for restraint. Close allies of Atandi described the attack as unfortunate and unnecessary, emphasizing that political differences should never be resolved through violence. “Siaya is known for peaceful political engagement. What happened today does not reflect our values,” said a local ODM official.
Security analysts note that the use of youths in political mobilization has increasingly become a flashpoint in Kenyan politics, particularly during rallies and demonstrations. When emotions run high and economic frustrations persist, analysts warn, gatherings can easily degenerate into chaos unless there is strong coordination between political organizers and security agencies.
As calm gradually returned to Siaya Town, residents expressed concern about the safety of future political events. Many called on leaders to de-escalate rhetoric and prioritize dialogue over confrontation. “We support politics, but not at the expense of our safety and property,” said a boda boda rider whose motorcycle was narrowly spared during the clashes.
The damage at the residence of the Alego Usonga MP has reignited debate about political tolerance and responsibility among leaders and their supporters. With the Linda Ground rally proceeding amid tight security, all eyes are now on how political actors will conduct themselves to ensure that democratic expression does not come at the cost of peace and stability in Siaya County.
