The political rhetoric preceding the Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay Town signaled a country dangerously slipping into political hooliganism.
Ahead of the gathering, Homa Bay Town MP Opondo Kaluma was put on the spot after issuing a directive to local youths, instructing them not to spare anyone chanting “one term” in the ODM stronghold.
“Anyone saying ‘one term’ in Homa Bay County should not be spared, since this county is an ODM stronghold.”Kaluma stated
Kaluma went further to threaten local hoteliers, warning that properties accommodating Linda Mwananchi figures would face destruction a sequence of threats that materialized with catastrophic consequences over the weekend.
“To the owners of hotels where the team supporting Linda Mwananchi are going to spend their night ahead of the D-day: be careful, because you will face destruction of your properties as Linda Mwananchi supporters face the wrath of their political stand.”
In stark contrast, Uriri MP Mark Nyamita strongly condemned the rising youth-led violence and political hooliganism during a local church service, calling out politicians who exploit vulnerable young people while insulating their own families.
“Shame on any leaders who have planned violence against each other and are using other people’s children,” Nyamita stated, highlighting the double standard of giving ordinary youths small sums of money to brandish machetes while politicians’ children remain safe in heavily guarded homes.
“Giving ordinary youths small amounts of money to carry machetes, throw stones, and street-fight while your own children remain protected is a severe moral failure.”He emphasized that elections last for only a single day while communities must live together long into the future.
The Uriri lawmaker urged leaders to win voters through peaceful persuasion rather than physical conflict and bloodshed.
“An election lasts for only one day, but the community has a life to live together long into the future. We must convince voters through constructive dialogue rather than physical conflict or bloodshed.”
Trail of blood
The immediate aftermath of the violent clashes left two people dead and over 40 others injured.
The deceased included a police driver attached to the Nyando police command who died on the spot after being struck by a flying stone while driving at high speed, while his superior sustained serious injuries.
A Ugandan national woman also died at the Homa Bay County Teaching and Referral Hospital after being run over by a speeding vehicle amid the panic.
Among the over 40 injured victims, seven were in critical condition with one referred to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kisumu while four sustained gunshot wounds during attacks as the team moved from Sindo in Suba South into Homa Bay Town.
Most of the victims suffered deep panga (machete) cuts across various parts of their bodies.
The crisis was compounded by an ongoing nurses’ strike, forcing health officials to transfer patients to private facilities across the region after administering basic first aid.
Destruction of property and effects on churches
The unrest left an extensive trail of destruction, with at least six vehicles set ablaze after armed youths barricaded the Homa Bay-Mbita road from Lala to Junction Kodoyo to block access to Homa Bay Town.
Among the burnt vehicles was a public address vehicle and several private cars whose drivers lost control amid the mayhem.
The chaos spilt into religious premises when armed youths invaded the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s Lake Victoria Field headquarters in Lala village.
Lake Victoria Field President Pastor Samson Okwach revealed that the church was hosting evangelists at the time, alleging that attackers looted materials from the clerics to ignite a vehicle attempting to seek refuge at the gate while damaging nearby buildings.
Assault to journalists
Journalists covering the event faced targeted harassment and physical violence.
A vehicle belonging to Mediamax Network Limited was torched, and K24 journalists Francis Mwangi and Evans Okeyo were also ambushed.
Two Royal Media Services journalists were among four media workers attacked, having their vehicle vandalized and their equipment and personal valuables stolen.
The wider intimidation campaign had begun as early as Saturday night when youths in ODM attire riding motorcycles attacked the Homa Bay Tourist Hotel, smashing windows and looting property.
Armed blockades with stones and sticks in Nyandiwa forced the Linda Mwananchi team to cancel a scheduled worship service.
In Oyugis and Homa Bay Town, youths lit bonfires and barricaded main transit corridors with large stones, disrupting trade and leaving local vendors of perishable goods facing severe financial losses.
Concerns ahead of 2027
Following the heavy deployment of security forces to regain control, the torched vehicles were towed to Homa Bay Police Station, and 17 people were arrested over their alleged involvement in the violence.
Local residents, business leaders, and clergy members like Pastor Okwach have issued urgent calls for political dialogue, warning that state-sanctioned goonism and political intolerance will scare away investors and tear the social fabric apart.
As calls grow for security sector reforms and accountability, two families preparing to bury their loved ones,some nursing serious injuries including journalists while others are in critical conditions,the events in Homa Bay serve as a grim warning of the rising use of organized political violence to disrupt opposition rallies, intimidate press freedom, and undermine democracy ahead of the 2027 General Election.
