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Political tensions flared in Kisumu on Sunday after an event attended by Siaya Governor James Orengo and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna was disrupted, leaving several motorbikes burned as confrontations broke out among groups linked to the day's political activities.

The incident occurred just hours after the two opposition leaders attended a church service at St. Joseph's Catholic Cathedral in Kisumu, where they called for unity within the Linda Mwananchi movement and dismissed reports suggesting that the coalition was facing internal disagreements.

Videos and photographs circulating on social media later showed motorcycles engulfed in flames, drawing widespread attention and raising fresh concerns over the growing political hostility being witnessed in different parts of the country. 

However, by Sunday afternoon, authorities had not released an official statement explaining how the fires started or identifying those responsible for the destruction.

Earlier in the day, Jubilee Party Deputy Organising Secretary Pauline Njoroge claimed on social media that there were plans to attack Orengo and Sifuna after the church service. 

In her post, she alleged that individuals had been mobilised to disrupt the leaders' movements as they left the church. The claims quickly spread online, although they had not been independently verified by the National Police Service or any other government agency.

The destruction of the motorbikes came amid heightened political activity surrounding the upcoming Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, which has intensified competition among rival political camps. 

The latest incident has added to growing concerns over violence and intimidation during political engagements.

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino reacted strongly after images of the burning motorcycles emerged online. 

Through his official social media accounts, the legislator claimed that individuals allegedly sent to attack Orengo and Sifuna had faced the consequences of their actions.

According to Babu, supporters would continue defending themselves whenever they felt security agencies had failed to provide adequate protection. 

His remarks sparked mixed reactions online, with some supporting his sentiments while others called for restraint and respect for the rule of law.

Despite the disruption, Orengo maintained that the day's main objective had been achieved. Addressing congregants during the church service, the Siaya governor dismissed speculation that the Linda Mwananchi movement was experiencing internal wrangles.

He explained that inviting Sifuna to join him in Kisumu was intended to demonstrate solidarity within the coalition and counter claims that its leaders had become divided.

Orengo insisted that the movement remained united and committed to pursuing its political agenda together despite increasing pressure from opponents.

Sifuna echoed the governor's message, urging leaders and supporters to remain focused and avoid being distracted by attempts to create divisions. 

He emphasized that unity remained the coalition's greatest strength and encouraged members to continue working together regardless of political challenges.

While Orengo and Sifuna attended the church service in Kisumu, another team of Linda Mwananchi leaders, including Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, was conducting separate political engagements in Nyahururu ahead of the by-election campaigns.

The incidents in both Kisumu and Nyahururu have highlighted the increasingly tense political environment as campaigns gather momentum. Recent weeks have seen accusations and counter-accusations between rival camps over alleged attempts to disrupt public meetings and intimidate political supporters.

As investigations into Sunday's events continue, leaders from across the political divide are expected to face renewed calls to promote peaceful campaigns and discourage acts of violence. 

Security agencies are also likely to come under pressure to provide adequate protection during political gatherings and ensure that those responsible for any criminal acts are held accountable.

With the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election approaching, observers warn that maintaining peace will be essential to safeguarding democratic participation and ensuring that political competition remains focused on ideas rather than confrontation.