Homa Bay Erupts in Chaos: Vandalism and Mass Arrests Rock County

Chaos erupted in Homa Bay county before, during, and after the Linda Mwanachi rally on August 16, 2026, leading to widespread violence, property destruction, and casualties. The National Police Service (NPS) has since arrested 37 suspects in connection with the unrest and is actively pursuing Oliver Jaoko, also known as Olivetti, for his alleged involvement in orchestrating the violence. Operations on August 15 and 16 also led to the recovery of various crude weapons, including machetes, knives, and metal rods.

Tragically, one police officer died when his vehicle lost control, and eight other officers sustained injuries during the disturbances. Five officers were injured in the vehicle incident, while three were hurt during the Saturday arrest of 15 suspected gang members along the Kisumu-Kericho road. Additionally, several journalists were injured in goon-related attacks, which also resulted in damage to multiple police and civilian vehicles. The NPS conveyed its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased officer and wished the injured officers a swift recovery.

The violence caused significant property damage, estimated to be worth millions of shillings. In Homa Bay Town, six vehicles were set on fire by goons. Some vehicles were abandoned after developing hitches, while others were left by drivers encountering rowdy youths who had barricaded roads between Junction Kodoyo and the central business district. The Seventh Day Adventist Church (SDA) Lake Victoria Field headquarters at Lala village was also attacked on Sunday, with goons vandalizing the church and vehicles belonging to clergy who were meeting there. SDA Lake Victoria Field President Samson Okwach condemned the incident, stating that the youth chased clerics, deprived them of valuables, and used them for lighting fires. The Tourist Hotel also suffered extensive damage on Saturday evening, with proprietor Otieno Odongo reporting property worth Sh30 million was destroyed after youths chased guests, workers, and security guards before looting. Traders in the town, like Joan Aoko, reported significant losses after being forced to shut their businesses on Saturday and Sunday due to the tension and fear of looting.

Residents voiced concerns, with George Ongoro warning that escalating political violence would deter investors. Ongoro suggested that political rallies should be held during daylight hours to prevent individuals from exploiting the darkness to cause harm. Police officials, including Deputy Director of Criminal Investigations John Onyango, Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli (APS), Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, and Principal Assistant to the Deputy Inspector General of Police Patrick Tito (KPS), were present during the events.

NPS Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga reiterated the Service's commitment to facilitating peaceful assembly while warning criminal gangs, goons, their organizers, facilitators, and sponsors against exploiting political gatherings for chaos, intimidation, property destruction, and attacks on officers. Nyaga emphasized that no individual, regardless of position or political affiliation, should mistake the Service's resolve for weakness. The police vowed to pursue recruiters, financers, and mobilizers of criminal elements and bring them to justice. The NPS also reminded that political rallies and gatherings should be conducted between 6 am and 6 pm, with prior notification to authorities to facilitate adequate security, urging all political actors to conduct themselves with decorum, restraint, and respect for the law.