Police in Siaya have arrested 12 people after youths allegedly attempted to block a convoy carrying First Lady Rachel Ruto and other government officials in Siaya town.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, as the convoy left the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) grounds, where the First Lady had attended a women’s economic empowerment event.
Rachel Ruto was accompanied by several government officials, including Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, when the incident occurred.
According to police, the youths allegedly tried to force their way through a gate that had been secured by security officers as the convoy headed towards a designated landing and take-off area.
The group is also accused of throwing stones at police officers who had been deployed to secure the route. Officers responded by moving in to contain the situation and restore order, before arresting 12 suspects believed to have been involved.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations subsequently released the identities of those arrested in connection with the alleged obstruction of the convoy.
They include Otieno Peter Ouma, alias “Soja”, 23, who is the youngest of the suspects. The oldest are George Omondi Odongo, alias “Rabash”, 55, and Jeremiah Owuor Ngonga, alias “Jeri”, 54. Other suspects are Edwin Odour Ooko, alias “Ochie”, 31; Daniel Ochieng Otieno, alias “Dan”, 31; Ishmael Otieno Omollo, alias “Omollo”, 32; and Gabriel Odhiambo Orimba, alias “Osanya”, 34. Also arrested are Fredrick Otieno Ooko, alias “Awange”, 43; Ambrose Wanjala Wabomba, alias “Sifuna”, 43; Moses Omondi Ochieng, alias “Omosh”, 43; Dickson Ouma Olouch, alias “Chege”, 47; and Michael Otieno Ochieng, alias “Ras Jakom”, 51.
The 12 suspects remain in police custody as investigators prepare to take them to court over the alleged obstruction of the convoy.
Police have maintained that while citizens have a right to assemble and express themselves peacefully, acts involving violence, obstruction of lawful operations or attacks on officers will attract legal action.
