Two dead, 46 injured in goons’ violence aftermath in Homa Bay
The skirmishes that went undeterred came even as Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo had last week committed that police would secure the Lind Mwananchi meet the people tour following complaints raised by the outfit leaders led by Siaya Governor James Orengo, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna asserting that they had prior information some leaders from the area had planned to have them attacked.
Politically backed goonism and blatant anarchy has once again reared its ugly head that saw two people, including a police officer and a Ugandan national killed and 46 others injured after violent clashes erupted in Homa Bay Town yesterday, August 16, 2026 as anti-Linda Mwananchi gangs disrupted planned political rally and leaving a trail of destruction.
The skirmishes that went undeterred came even as Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo had last week committed that police would secure the Lind Mwananchi meet the people tour following complaints raised by the outfit leaders led by Siaya Governor James Orengo, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna asserting that they had prior information some leaders from the area had planned to have them attacked.
The violence, which started as the Linda Mwananchi team made its way from Sindo in Suba South towards Homa Bay Town, saw armed youths barricade roads, attack motorists and journalists, torch vehicles and vandalise property.
The dead included a police driver attached to the Nyando police command, who was reportedly driving at high speed when a stone thrown during the clashes struck him.
He died on the spot, while his superior, who was travelling in the same vehicle, sustained serious injuries and was rushed to hospital.
The second victim was a Ugandan woman who was allegedly run over by a speeding vehicle amid the chaos.
Officials at Homa Bay County Teaching and Referral Hospital said she was taken to the facility but died while receiving treatment.
Of the 46 people injured, seven were reported to be in critical condition, while four sustained gunshot wounds during attacks on members and supporters of the Linda Mwananchi team.
Most of the other victims suffered deep panga cuts to various parts of their bodies.
The injured were initially taken to Homa Bay County Teaching and Referral Hospital for first aid before some were transferred to private health facilities in the region for specialised treatment, amid an ongoing nurses’ strike.
The violence also targeted vehicles, with at least six torched after armed youths barricaded the Homa Bay-Mbita road between Lala and Junction Kodoyo, apparently in an attempt to stop the Linda Mwananchi team from reaching Homa Bay Town.
Among the vehicles set ablaze was one belonging to Mediamax Network Limited after journalists covering the rally came under attack.
A public address vehicle belonging to Bungoma Governor George Natembeya was also torched.
K24 journalists Francis Mwangi and Evans Okeyo were among journalists attacked at about 7pm. Mwangi sustained serious injuries and was taken to hospital, while several pieces of media equipment were vandalised or stolen.
Two Royal Media Services journalists were also among four media workers attacked while attempting to cover the movement of the Linda Mwananchi team into Homa Bay Town. Their vehicle was vandalised and valuables reportedly stolen.
Another vehicle was torched several kilometres from Homa Bay Town as Linda Mwananchi leaders approached the town centre, while several others were vandalised before police and supporters of the group managed to repel the attackers.
The violence spilled into religious premises when armed youths invaded the headquarters of the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s Lake Victoria Field at Lala village along the Homa Bay-Mbita road.
Buildings and vehicles parked at the compound were damaged.
Lake Victoria Field president Pastor Samson Okwach said property of unknown value had been destroyed in the attack.
He condemned the violence and urged Homa Bay leaders to embrace dialogue to prevent further loss of life and destruction of property.
The clashes followed a tense weekend in the region, with violence reported as early as Saturday night when a group of youths allegedly attacked Homa Bay Tourist Hotel.
The youths, who were reportedly dressed in ODM attire and riding motorcycles, allegedly smashed windows, destroyed property and stole valuables. Police have launched investigations into the incident.
The Linda Mwananchi team had earlier encountered resistance in Nyandiwa, Suba South, where youths armed with stones and sticks allegedly blocked roads leading to a church where the group was scheduled to attend a service.
The blockade forced the leaders to cancel the planned worship service.
Tensions remained high on Sunday in Homa Bay Town and Oyugis. In Oyugis, youths lit bonfires along the main highway, disrupting traffic, while in Homa Bay Town groups of youths barricaded roads leading to the town centre with stones.
Former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati’s convoy was also attacked at Asumbi Junction as he travelled towards Nyandiwa.
The escalating unrest prompted a security operation that resulted in the arrest of 17 people suspected of involvement in the violence.
The attacks have triggered condemnation, with calls for the government to bring those responsible to account and undertake reforms within the security sector.
The incidents have also renewed concerns over the safety of political rallies, journalists and ordinary motorists as the country heads towards the 2027 General Election, with calls for political leaders to reject violence and seek dialogue.
