Homa Bay County was gripped by tension on Sunday as supporters of the Linda Mwananchi movement and those backing the broad-based government clashed hours before planned rallies in the county.
The confrontations began as early as 7am, with groups of youths reportedly moving through different parts of the county amid heightened political tensions.
In Nyandiwa, Suba South, where the Linda Mwananchi team was scheduled to attend a church service, roads leading to the venue were reportedly blocked with stones and logs. The disruption forced the leaders to cancel their plans to worship with residents.
Youths perceived to be supporting the broad-based government were seen patrolling parts of the town, chanting pro-government slogans, while Linda Mwananchi supporters, some armed with sticks and wearing reflectors, gathered in the area awaiting the arrival of their leaders.
The situation remained tense in both Oyugis and Homa Bay Town throughout the day.
In Oyugis, youths reportedly lit bonfires along the main highway, disrupting traffic, while in Homa Bay Town, roads leading to the town centre were blocked with stones.
Journalists covering the unfolding events were also caught up in the violence. Four journalists were reportedly attacked, including two from Royal Media Services (RMS).
The journalists allegedly lost personal valuables during the attack, while an RMS vehicle was vandalised as groups opposed to the Linda Mwananchi campaign reportedly attempted to prevent the movement’s leaders from accessing Homa Bay Town.
One vehicle was also reportedly torched a few kilometres from Homa Bay Town as Linda Mwananchi leaders made their way towards the town centre. Several other vehicles were allegedly vandalised before police and Linda Mwananchi supporters intervened.
The violence had reportedly started on Saturday night, when a group of youths allegedly stormed Homa Bay Tourist Hotel on motorcycles. The group, some of whom were reportedly wearing ODM colours, allegedly smashed windows, damaged property and stole valuables in what was believed to be an attempt to flush out supporters of the Linda Mwananchi movement.
The hotel incident remains under investigation.
Former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati was also reportedly attacked at Asumbi Junction while travelling towards Nyandiwa.
As security agencies moved to contain the situation, police and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Support Unit reportedly arrested 17 people in separate operations targeting groups suspected of planning to cause violence.
Two suspects were arrested along the Ndhiwa route in Yamase, Migori County, after police intercepted two vehicles they were travelling in. Police said the suspects were found in possession of five pangas, which were recovered during the operation.
In a separate operation along the Kisumu-Kericho Highway, 15 other suspects were arrested by police and the DCI Support Unit. The suspects were reportedly travelling in a grey Toyota Noah and two white vans and were allegedly heading towards Homa Bay ahead of the Linda Mwananchi rallies.
Police said crude weapons were recovered from the vehicles during the operation.
The violence has attracted condemnation from media and human rights organisations, with the Kenya Editors Guild and Amnesty International calling on the Inspector General of Police to move with speed and ensure that those responsible for attacks are arrested and prosecuted.
The organisations have also condemned inflammatory and inciteful remarks attributed to political leaders, warning that political competition should not be allowed to degenerate into violence or endanger journalists, residents and other members of the public.
The incidents have renewed concerns over rising political intolerance in Homa Bay as competing political factions intensify political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
