The Linda Mwananchi movement is calling for an investigation into violent attacks that disrupted its political tour of Homa Bay County on Sunday, August 16, 2026, leaving at least two people dead and dozens injured.
In a statement released on Monday, the movement described the incidents as a "coordinated, premeditated campaign of violence and intimidation" against its leaders and supporters during the tour.
The group said its convoy faced roadblocks, stone-throwing and armed attacks as it travelled through different parts of Homa Bay, with some attackers allegedly firing at vehicles.
According to Linda Mwananchi, 18 people were treated in hospital, with 12 evacuated to Kisumu for specialised medical care. Two people died from their injuries, while seven had been discharged by Monday.
Police later confirmed that one police officer died and eight others were injured during the chaos, with 37 suspects arrested in connection with the violence.
Official Response
Linda Mwananchi has asked the Inspector General of Police, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Director General of the National Intelligence Service (NIS) to investigate what happened.
The movement specifically named Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Opondo Kaluma, and Kwabwai Ward MCA Richard Ouma Ogindo, demanding that they explain what they knew about the violence and what they did to stop it.
The group also accused some security officers of failing to protect the convoy and claimed that some may have been involved in the attacks. However, these claims have not been independently confirmed.
National Police Service spokesperson Faustinus Koilem said 37 suspected gang members were arrested with crude weapons including machetes, ropes, metal rods, knives, rungus, batons and torches.
Governor Wanga, MP Kaluma and other named officials have not yet issued detailed public statements responding to the allegations.
Official Statement Link Placeholder
Why This Matters
The violence highlights the growing political tensions in Homa Bay and the wider Nyanza region as different political factions position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election. The Linda Mwananchi movement, which includes leaders like Siaya Governor James Orengo, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, lawyer Faith Odhiambo and former Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, has been touring several counties to build support.
- Deaths: At least 2 people killed, 1 police officer confirmed dead.
- Injuries: 18 treated in hospital, 12 evacuated to Kisumu.
- Arrests: 37 suspects with crude weapons arrested.
- Attacks: Roadblocks, stone-throwing, armed attacks on convoy.
- Property: Vehicles torched, Homa Bay Tourist Hotel attacked.
When political tours are disrupted by violence, it raises questions about freedom of assembly, the role of security agencies and whether local leaders are using state machinery or hired groups to suppress opposition activities.
The deaths and injuries also show the human cost of political intolerance, with ordinary citizens, journalists and police officers caught in the middle.
Community Impact or Background Context
The violence occurred as Linda Mwananchi leaders toured Homa Bay as part of their political activities ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Reports emerged that some youths had been mobilised and paid between KSh1,000 and KSh3,000 to disrupt the rally, according to local sources.
On Saturday night, before the main tour, goons attacked Homa Bay Tourist Hotel, destroying and stealing property in an incident now under police investigation.
During Sunday's chaos, an AFP journalist was attacked and robbed in Homa Bay Town, and several vehicles were torched or damaged.
Linda Mwananchi claimed that some attackers had been brought from Kisumu, Siaya, Migori, Kisii and Nairobi to disrupt the tour, though these claims remain unverified.
The movement also said one person caught by its supporters in Nyandiwa claimed to be an NIS officer, and that the group received calls from people claiming to be senior police officers asking for the person's phone to be returned.
Safety & Prevention
Political rallies and tours should be conducted peacefully, with all parties respecting the right to assemble and express political views. Important safety measures include:
- ensuring adequate security coverage for all political events;
- prohibiting the use of weapons and violent tactics by any group;
- protecting journalists and media personnel covering political activities;
- investigating all incidents of violence and holding perpetrators accountable;
- encouraging political leaders to condemn violence and call for calm.
- Avoid areas where violence is likely to occur.
- Report suspicious activities to police immediately.
- Do not participate in or incite political violence.
- Monitor official communication from security agencies.
Residents should avoid participating in political violence, report suspicious activities to police and stay away from areas where clashes are occurring.
What Happens Next
Linda Mwananchi says it will use the courts and other legal channels to seek answers and will continue with its political activities despite the violence.
Police investigations are ongoing, with 37 suspects already arrested and more operations expected to identify those behind the attacks.
The IPOA and NIS may also conduct separate inquiries into whether security officers were involved in or failed to prevent the violence.
Political leaders named in the allegations may face pressure to respond publicly and cooperate with investigations. The incident is likely to intensify political debates about security, accountability and the conduct of political campaigns in the region.
Share Your Thoughts
We would like to hear from you.
- What needs to be done to prevent political violence in Homa Bay and other counties ahead of the 2027 elections?
- How can security agencies be held accountable for protecting citizens during political events?
- What role should local leaders play in ensuring peaceful political campaigns?
For official updates or emergency assistance, residents are advised to contact the relevant authorities.