Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Political intolerance is re-emerging as opposition leaders intensify efforts to rally support for removing President William Ruto from office.

Tensions have risen during recent public gatherings in Western Kenya, with their path blocked by heckling or violence.

The latest event has seen former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua and a host of opposition leaders come under a brazen attack in Bungoma County during their ongoing political tour of Western Kenya.

Their convoy, which was headed towards Kitale, was ambushed in Chwele town by what the leaders described as "government-sponsored goons" armed with crude weapons.

The attack caused panic among supporters and forced the team to detour through a longer route in a desperate bid to avoid further confrontation.

According to those present, the journey, normally a 40-minute drive, took over two hours as the leaders navigated hostile territory under constant threat.

"Guys we are at Chwele town…. we are under heavy attack from government sponsored goons…..goons are firing gunshots aiming at our convoy we were heading to kitale…Kitale lazima tufike leo," Lawyer and political activist Ndegwa Njiru stated

Eyewitness accounts and footage shared online painted a chaotic scene with roads barricaded, and men wielding pangas, clubs, and stones were seen confronting the opposition entourage.

Ndegwa, who was part of the embattled group, recounted the harrowing experience with a fiery defiance that captured the mood of the mission.

Despite the coordinated obstruction, Njiru insisted the mission was unstoppable and vowed to press on with what he called a national liberation movement.

He further declared that their efforts would not relent until justice was restored and the country’s leadership held accountable.

"You know, they barricaded the entire road. There was like, it was a battalion. They never wanted us to penetrate to get to Kitale. But we have the resolve, we have the determination. We cannot be stopped. And we shall not be stopped by anything, not even gunshots. We have to liberate this country. We are on a mission. This mission cannot be complete until Kasongo is home. Until one term is realised," the lawyer declared.

According to the lawyer, the opposition was determined to ensure Ruto's defeat in the 2027 General Election.

"Either we succeed or we lay a better foundation which our children and the future generation will step on so that they can succeed," he stated.

During their day one tour of the region, the opposition chiefs were welcomed by huge crowds with little to no resistance.

The former DP excited the crowds as he greeted them using Ruto's trademark salutations while in the Mulembe nation.

Gachagua connected with Kakamega residents, revealing he used to stay in Navakholo while working under the defunct provincial administration.

Source: TUKO.co.ke