NAIROBI, Kenya- One person has died, and 46 others were injured during violence that marred the Linda Mwananchi movement’s tour of Homa Bay County on Sunday, August 16, 2026.
According to a report from Homa Bay County Teaching and Referral Hospital, the deceased was a Ugandan woman who was run over by a vehicle during the chaos.
She died while receiving treatment at the county referral hospital.
Of the 46 people injured, seven were in critical condition, while four sustained gunshot wounds during attacks as the Linda Mwananchi convoy travelled from Sindo in Suba South towards Homa Bay Town.
Several other victims suffered deep cuts, including injuries caused by pangas, according to the hospital report.
The injured were initially taken to Homa Bay County Teaching and Referral Hospital for first aid before some were transferred to private health facilities in the region.
The transfers were necessitated in part by an ongoing nurses’ strike.
Six vehicles torched
The violence also left a trail of destruction across Homa Bay Town.
Six vehicles were torched after armed groups barricaded the Homa Bay-Mbita road, with the blockades stretching from Lala to Junction Kodoyo as the Linda Mwananchi team attempted to enter Homa Bay Town.
The vehicles were later towed to Homa Bay Police Station as investigations continued.
The violence also affected the Seventh Day Adventist Church’s Lake Victoria Field headquarters in Lala village, where buildings and vehicles parked at the compound were damaged.
Pastor Samson Okwach, president of the Lake Victoria Field, condemned the violence and called on leaders in Homa Bay to embrace dialogue to prevent further loss of life.
Journalists caught in violence
Journalists covering the political activities were also targeted during the unrest.
AFP correspondents Fred Ooko and Brian Ongoro were assaulted, with their equipment and personal belongings reportedly taken.
A Mediamax Network vehicle was also torched while journalists covered the movement’s attempt to access Homa Bay Town.
Cameramen Francis Mwangi and Evans Okeyo were among those attacked, with Mwangi sustaining serious injuries and receiving medical treatment.
A Citizen TV vehicle was also targeted during the violence.
The attacks prompted condemnation from media and human rights organisations, with calls for investigations into the violence and protection of journalists carrying out their work.
Political rallies disrupted
The violence followed a tense build-up to the Linda Mwananchi tour, with youths barricading roads in different parts of Homa Bay and lighting bonfires.
In Ndhiwa, police used tear gas as groups confronted a Linda Mwananchi convoy carrying Siaya Governor James Orengo, forcing the convoy to turn back before later engagements continued.
Despite the disruptions, Linda Mwananchi leaders eventually made their way into Homa Bay Town and held their planned rally.
Amnesty International Kenya has condemned the violence, attacks on journalists, destruction of property and road blockades, calling for independent investigations and accountability.
The events have raised fresh concerns over political violence, freedom of movement and the safety of journalists and political actors as Kenya heads towards the 2027 General Election.
