A new trend is spreading where groups of people attend rallies mainly to shout down leaders they dislike.
The practice is becoming common in public gatherings and has begun to shape the tone of local politics.
Several leaders who oppose the idea of a broad based government have recently faced heavy booing during public events.
Crowds now interrupt speeches with chants and loud whistles. In some meetings leaders struggle to complete their remarks as the shouting continues for several minutes.
One of the most visible moments happened on March 24 when Siaya Governor James Orengo attended a development tour led by President William Ruto.
During the meeting at Usenge beach the governor faced loud chants from sections of the crowd. Some people sang the “Tutam” slogan while others shouted as he tried to address the gathering.
The reaction appeared to catch the governor off guard. As the crowd grew louder he softened his tone and welcomed the president back to Siaya in the future.
Observers noted that the tension reflected deeper divisions in the region over the direction of national politics.
Another tense moment occurred earlier during an ODM rally in Siaya town. Siaya Woman Representative Christine Ombaka had to stop her speech after a section of the audience began shouting.
The meeting was part of the Linda Ground campaign that had drawn several senior political leaders.
Supporters continued making noise as she tried to speak from the podium. Leaders on stage struggled to calm the crowd.
Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi together with Minority Leader Junet Mohamed stepped in and appealed for order so the meeting could continue.
Similar scenes have also been reported in Homa Bay County. Some supporters now arrive at political gatherings carrying vuvuzelas and horns. The tools are used to drown out rival speakers during funerals public rallies and community meetings.
Reports from the region suggest that some politicians are now hiring buses to transport their own supporters to such events.
The aim is to create a stronger presence that can cheer allies and shout down opponents. This strategy is slowly turning political meetings into noisy contests.
Homa Bay Woman Representative Joyce Osogo Bensuda has strongly criticized the growing trend. She says democracy requires leaders and citizens to tolerate different opinions.
According to her paying groups to shout at opponents weakens healthy debate and spreads hostility among residents.
Bensuda warned that leaders should compete through ideas and policies instead of intimidation. She said constant booing only reveals poor leadership and wastes the time of citizens who deserve respectful political engagement.
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