Report names 500 youths in Homa Bay rally chaos probe

A boy suffered a head injury after being shot during a political rally in Homa Bay on Thursday evening. The incident unfolded at around 6:50 PM in Sofia Estate, where an aspirant for the parliamentary seat held campaign rallies. According to reports, rival groups clashed during the rally, leading to the boy being shot in the head.

He was immediately taken to Homa Bay County Teaching and Referral Hospital for initial treatment. An X-ray revealed a bullet fragment lodged in his skull, prompting his transfer to Jaramogi Odinga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kisumu for specialized surgery. Police promptly arrested the aspirant and two individuals, believed to be his bodyguards, and took them into custody pending further investigation.

At the time of arrest, the aspirant was found to be in possession of a Ceska pistol and two magazines with 14 and 15 rounds of 9mm ammunition, respectively. One of his alleged bodyguards was discovered with a Motorola radio, which was also seized. The three suspects are currently in police custody as investigators delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

This event follows a series of violent clashes in the town earlier, which resulted in at least four deaths and numerous injuries. The unrest in the area has been attributed to political tensions, with claims of bias in the handling of the situation. The region is increasingly known for politically motivated violence, with goons reportedly targeting political opponents' meetings.

Such incidents have left a total of six people dead and dozens injured in the lead-up to the 2027 elections, raising concerns about the escalating violence in the area.