Homa Bay chaos: Police arrest 37 persons of interest, launch manhunt for rally violence

In Homa Bay County, Kenya, the National Police Service (NPS) has made significant strides in quelling unrest that followed a rally called Linda Mwananchi. The force has taken proactive measures by apprehending 37 individuals of interest and initiating a manhunt to track down others connected to the violence. The police disclosed on their X account that these suspects were discovered carrying crude weapons such as machetes, ropes, metal rods, knives, rungus, batons, and torches.

The NPS has launched an investigation to determine the role of these individuals and others involved in the incidents that marred political activities on August 16. Additionally, one police vehicle lost control, leading to the tragic death of its driver and wounding of five other officers. On August 15, three more officers were injured during the arrest of 15 people along the Kisumu-Kericho Road, raising the count of injured officers to eight.

The NPS has expressed deep concern over the loss of a police officer, emphasizing that such a tragedy will not be taken lightly. They have also highlighted that journalists covering the events were targeted during the incidents in Homa Bay. The police are actively pursuing Oliver Jaoko, also known as "Olivetti", who remains at large, and have issued a call for his surrender at the nearest police station to aid the ongoing investigations.

Furthermore, the NPS is seeking out other actors believed to have participated in the violence, including organizers, facilitators, and sponsors of criminal activities. Anyone found to be recruiting, financing, mobilizing, arming, or otherwise facilitating criminal elements involved in causing violence and disorder will face justice, according to the police.

This intensified crackdown follows a directive from the NPS to police officers deployed at political gatherings in Homa Bay, urging them to maintain professionalism, impartiality, and restraint. The Service had previously cautioned politicians and organizers against inciting violence and engaging in conduct that could trigger unrest.

The latest statement reiterates the importance of holding political rallies within the specified time frame of 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, with organizers required to notify the police to assist in security planning and deployment. The NPS reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding the constitutional right to peaceful assembly while taking decisive action against criminality.

These events unfold amid heightened political tensions following the disruption of the Linda Mwananchi activities in Homa Bay, prompting political leaders and civil society groups to call for thorough investigations into the violence.