Two people were killed and 46 others injured after violence disrupted the Linda Mwananchi political tour of Homa Bay County on Sunday, with police moving to arrest those suspected of organising the chaos.
The National Police Service said on Monday that 37 suspected gang members had been arrested in connection with the violence, while investigations continued to identify other people who may have participated in, organised or financed the unrest.
The violence, which unfolded as the political movement led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna toured the county, left a police officer dead after the vehicle he was driving lost control during the clashes.
The Star reported that a second person, identified as a Ugandan woman, died after she was allegedly struck by a speeding vehicle. It said 46 people were injured, with seven reported to be in critical condition. Four people sustained gunshot wounds, while others suffered deep cuts.
The police officer was attached to the Nyando police command. According to police, he was driving at high speed when a stone struck the vehicle, causing him to lose control. His superior, who was travelling in the same vehicle, was seriously injured.
Police said five other officers were injured in the incident. Three additional officers had been injured on Saturday while arresting 15 suspected gang members along the Kisumu-Kericho road.
The National Police Service said five police vehicles deployed to maintain public order were damaged, alongside several civilian vehicles.
The arrests have added a new dimension to the political fallout, with police saying those apprehended were found with crude weapons including machetes, ropes, metal rods, knives, rungus, batons and torches.
Police spokesman Muchiri Nyaga said the operation would not stop with the 37 arrests, warning that investigators were pursuing other people suspected of recruiting, financing, mobilising or facilitating criminal elements.
The Service also said it was pursuing a suspect identified as Oliver Jaoko, alias “Olivetti”, who remains at large and has been asked to surrender to police.
“The death of a police officer, like that of any other Kenyan, is a matter of grave concern and will not be treated lightly,” the police said.
The violence also turned journalists covering the political activities into victims.
AFP journalists Fred Ooko and Brian Ongoro were attacked by armed youths after travelling from Kisumu to Homa Bay to cover the rally. The journalists said they were beaten and had some of their equipment and personal belongings taken.
The National Police Service confirmed that journalists performing their duties were attacked during the disturbances.
The incident has triggered a political blame game.
Linda Mwananchi leaders, led by Siaya Governor James Orengo, have accused security agencies and local political leaders of failing to protect their supporters. The movement has called for investigations into the violence and demanded that Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and Suba North MP Peter Kaluma account for their alleged role or failure to prevent the incidents.
The accusations have not been established as facts, and neither leader has been found guilty of involvement in the violence.
Linda Mwananchi has also alleged that its convoy encountered roadblocks as it entered Homa Bay and that armed groups attacked its supporters along the routes used by the delegation.
The movement has described the attacks as coordinated rather than spontaneous crowd disorder and called for a comprehensive investigation.
The police, however, have maintained that their focus is on identifying individuals responsible for criminal acts, regardless of their political affiliation.
The Service said political actors must ensure that rallies are conducted within the law, including the requirement that public meetings be held between 6am and 6pm and that organisers notify police to allow adequate security planning.
The Homa Bay violence comes at a politically sensitive period as rival factions position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
