Violence erupts in western Kenya ahead of opposition rally

International

2026-08-172026-08-17By Correspondent

NAIROBI – Violence erupted in western Kenya early yesterday, an AFP journalist said, ahead of an opposition rally where leaders had warned they could face attacks by armed thugs.

The country is due to hold national polls in just under a year, with President William Ruto seeking a second term.

Opposition politicians have warned of an increasingly hostile environment, and observers have voiced concerns about the use of armed thugs, known in Kenya as goons, to disrupt political gatherings.