A political rally meant to demonstrate the growing reach of the Linda Mwananchi movement ended in bloodshed in Homa Bay on Sunday, August 16, leaving one person dead, 46 injured and several vehicles and properties destroyed.
The violence erupted as Linda Mwananchi leaders and supporters made their way into Homa Bay town after holding activities in parts of Suba South. According to a report from Homa Bay County Teaching and Referral Hospital, the deceased was a Ugandan woman who was struck by a vehicle during the chaos. She later died while receiving treatment at the county referral hospital.
Of the 46 people treated after the unrest, seven were reported to be in critical condition, while four had gunshot wounds. Many others suffered deep cuts, including injuries allegedly inflicted with crude weapons. The victims were initially taken to the county referral hospital before some were transferred to private facilities amid an ongoing nurses’ strike.
Homa Bay descended into chaos as Linda Mwananchi rally
The violence also brought normal life in Homa Bay town to a standstill. Armed groups reportedly blocked several roads, disrupting public transport and forcing motorists to seek alternative routes. Businesses were affected, while some churches remained closed as tension mounted ahead of the political gathering.
At least six vehicles were torched during the confrontation. The vehicles were reportedly set ablaze after armed youths barricaded sections of the Homa Bay-Mbita road, including the stretch from Lala towards Junction Kodoyo, in an apparent attempt to prevent the Linda Mwananchi convoy from reaching Homa Bay town. The damaged vehicles were later towed to Homa Bay Police Station as investigations continued.
The violence spilled beyond the roads. The headquarters of the Seventh Day Adventist Church’s Lake Victoria Field in Lala village was reportedly attacked, with the building and vehicles in its compound damaged. Pastor Samson Okwach, president of the Lake Victoria Field, condemned the destruction and appealed to political leaders to embrace dialogue rather than allow political competition to result in further bloodshed.
The unrest was preceded by rising anxiety over the planned Linda Mwananchi tour. In the days before the rally, movement officials had warned that attempts could be made to block their access to Homa Bay town, while local political leaders publicly sought to reassure residents that the gathering would be peaceful. The government had also given assurances that adequate security would be provided.
The situation deteriorated even before the main rally. Two journalists working for AFP, Fred Ooko and Brian Ongoro, were assaulted while covering the unfolding events. They were reportedly beaten by men armed with crude weapons, and their press cards, driving licences, cameras and other belongings were taken. The journalists subsequently reported the incident at Homa Bay Police Station.
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission has now moved to investigate the violence and summon political actors it believes may bear responsibility. NCIC chairman Bishop Kepha Omae described the incidents as an βunfortunate and worrying trendβ and warned that political intolerance threatens constitutional freedoms and national cohesion.
The commission pointed to Article 37 of the Constitution, which guarantees citizens the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket and present petitions peacefully and without weapons. It stressed, however, that political freedoms cannot be used as a licence for violence, intimidation, hate speech or disorder.
The Homa Bay violence has also triggered wider political condemnation. Leaders have warned that the use of organised groups to disrupt political meetings, coupled with attacks on journalists, could deepen political tensions ahead of the 2027 General Election. Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga said the country risked being pushed towards a dangerous path if political intolerance continued unchecked.
For residents of Homa Bay, however, the immediate concern is the human and economic cost. One person is dead, dozens are nursing injuries, vehicles have been destroyed and businesses disrupted. The incident has renewed questions about the ability of political leaders and security agencies to guarantee peaceful political competition.
With the NCIC beginning its inquiries and police investigations underway, attention will now turn to identifying those responsible for the violence and determining whether the attacks were spontaneous clashes or part of a coordinated effort to disrupt the Linda Mwananchi campaign.
What began as a political mobilisation exercise has instead become a stark reminder of the dangers posed when political rivalry spills into the streets.
