Six Arrested After Attack on Linda Mwananchi Officials Ahead of August 16 Rally in Homa Bay

Police in Homa Bay have arrested six suspects, including an alleged gang leader, following an attack on officials of the ODM affiliated Linda Mwananchi faction ahead of the group’s planned August 16 rally.

Homa Bay County Police Commander Lawrence Koilem said the suspects — among them the alleged ring leader Abdi Kasim — were seized after organizers reported being assaulted at their Homa Bay Town office. Human rights activist Evans Oloo Gor was also injured during the incident.

According to police, the attackers vandalized property and assaulted Interim Coordinator Samuel Nyauke and his team shortly after the group formally notified authorities of the upcoming rally.

Nyauke said the team had met Koilem on Tuesday, August 4, to submit a rally notification letter and received assurances of security and peaceful conditions.

The arrests triggered running battles between police and protesters in Homa Bay Town, disrupting businesses and transport as tensions flared over the confrontation.

Despite the unrest, Koilem confirmed that police have cleared the Linda Mwananchi rally scheduled for Saturday, August 16, and pledged adequate security. Organisers warned that any attempts to disrupt the event would be met with a firm response.

Authorities say investigations into the assault and vandalism are ongoing.