Transport was on Thursday, July 3, temporarily paralysed along the Kisumu-Kakamega highway after rowdy youth lit bonfires in an attempt to block opposition politicians from accessing the region.
Videos and images seen by Kenyans.co.ke showed young men setting tyres on fire along the highway, forcing motorists to seek alternative routes.
However, the area police officers quickly intervened and dispersed the youth before clearing the road.
The incident occurred as the opposition politicians, led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, former Interior CS Fred Matiang'i and Wiper party's Kalonzo Musyoka were on their way to Kakamega County.
Other opposition politicians who were also part of the entourage include DAP-Kenya's Eugene Wamalwa, former Public Service CS Justin Muturi and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.
Despite attempts to block their trip to Western Kenya, the team seamlessly accessed the region where they held political rallies.
Addressing the residents of Kakamega, Matiang'i blasted Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa for allegedly sponsoring the goons to interfere with the opposition rally.
Matiang'i termed the move as mere stupidity, maintaining that all Kenyan politicians had the right to be heard by the electorate despite their political affiliations.
"We have seen a leader who has been elected by Kenyans attempting to stop us from entering this region, that is stupidity because we are in a democratic nation," Matiang'i said.
"Do you all belong to the governor? How can he then dictate those who enter this region? Go and tell him that we are in a democratic nation. Just like us, he also jas the right to hold similar rallies even in Kisii," he added.
This is not the first time the opposition politicians have encountered such a challenge. On June 21, Gachagua and other opposition leaders were forced to temporarily halt their journey in Meru after youths blocked the Meru–Mikinduri highway.
Nonetheless, a section of the residents attacked and chased away the goons before unblocking the road, paving the way for Gachagua's entry to Meru County.
