HOMA BAY, Kenya- A police officer has died following violent clashes that erupted during a Linda Mwananchi political rally in Homa Bay Town on Sunday, August 16, leaving several police officers and civilians injured and dozens of vehicles and buildings damaged or destroyed.
A police follow-up report filed at Homa Bay Police Station on Monday, August 17, said Police Constable Jim Richardson Okundi was pronounced dead on arrival at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching & Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) in Kisumu.
The report, referenced under OB 49/17/08/2026 at 1:42 pm, said the violence followed an attack on a Linda Mwananchi Brigade team led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and other political leaders.
Police attributed the attack to supporters of the ODM Linda Ground faction.
Several police officers injured
The report listed several police officers who sustained injuries during the confrontation.
They include Senior Sergeant Fredrick Ombaka, who complained of neck pain and bruises to the head, and Corporal Leonard Wanjala, who suffered a cut on his right thumb and back pain.
Police Constables Geoffrey Kebenei and Benard Odundo also sustained injuries, while Administration Police Constable Richard Muema reportedly suffered serious head injuries.
Other officers listed in the report include Corporal Stephen Orony, Corporal Rika Said, Administration Police Constable James Nyoike, Administration Police Constable Collins Bera and Administration Police Constable James Kinywa.
Police fired live ammunition
The report states that police fired live ammunition into the air while dispersing crowds.
According to the report, Police Constable Wilson Openda fired four rounds of 7.62×51mm ammunition from a G3A3 rifle, while Sergeant Nashon Omanya fired 11 rounds of 9mm ammunition from a Jericho pistol.
Police also deployed 50-bar gas grenades, 40 smoke grenades and 25 rubber-ball grenades during the operation.
Civilians injured
More than 20 civilians are listed in the police report as having sustained various injuries.
Among them is Bernard Ochieng, 37, an employee in the office of Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda.
Ochieng reportedly suffered several deep panga cuts to the head and left hand, with the report stating that all the fingers on his right hand were chopped off.
Other civilians reportedly suffered gunshot wounds to the thigh, shoulder, leg, knees and hand.
Others sustained fractures, deep cuts, head injuries and dislocations.
The report also records allegations of robbery and destruction of property.
Stephen Otieno Gweth reportedly sustained injuries to his left eye and both hands and was robbed of two mobile phones. His Subaru Legacy, registration KCB 720B, was allegedly burned.
Police vehicles damaged
Several police vehicles were also damaged during the violence.
They include an Isuzu D-Max double cabin, registration GKB 389T, belonging to the Sub-County Police Commander in Muhoroni.
The vehicle reportedly suffered extensive damage to its bonnet, windscreen and side mirrors.
Other police vehicles listed in the report had broken windscreens, damaged bumpers and dents.
Vehicles burned and property destroyed
The police report also lists numerous civilian vehicles that were damaged or completely burned.
Among them were several Toyota Prados, a Toyota Probox, an Isuzu D-Max, a Toyota Fortuner, two Toyota Land Cruisers and a Subaru Legacy.
Three makuti houses were also reportedly burned, while another house had its windows smashed.
Property at a Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church, including a conference room and office building, was also damaged.
A 1,000-litre water tank was reportedly destroyed.
Investigation underway
The police have classified the case as Pending Under Inquiry (P.U.I), with the Senior Criminal Investigations Officer in Homa Bay handling the matter.
The latest report provides a detailed account of the injuries and destruction recorded after Sunday’s violence, but investigations are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the clashes, the death of the police officer and the responsibility for the reported attacks and property destruction.
The incident adds to growing concerns over violence surrounding political activities in Homa Bay as political parties and movements begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
