NAIROBI, Kenya- The Linda Mwananchi Diaspora USA Chapter has condemned the violence that marred the movement’s political activities in Homa Bay County on Sunday, calling for an independent investigation into the deaths, injuries, attacks on journalists and destruction of property.
The group said it was particularly concerned by reports that roads were blocked and political gatherings disrupted as the Linda Mwananchi team, led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, moved through the county.
Several people were injured, vehicles were damaged, and one vehicle was set on fire during the unrest.
Police later said they had arrested suspects in connection with the violence.
The violence also affected journalists covering the events.
“Security agencies have a duty to protect political actors, journalists, residents, businesses, and peaceful participants without discrimination. They must prevent foreseeable violence, respond impartially, preserve evidence, and arrest perpetrators regardless of their political connections,” the group said in a statement.
At least eight journalists were assaulted while reporting on the rally, according to Reporters Without Borders, while media organisations have called for investigations into the attacks and the theft of journalists’ equipment.
Amnesty International Kenya separately condemned the violence, citing attacks on journalists, disruption of media broadcasts, destruction of property, road blockades and alleged failures by security agencies to protect people during the political activities.
It called for prompt, independent and impartial investigations.
The diaspora chapter said responsibility for the violence should not be assigned before investigations are completed.
It said any involvement by private individuals, political actors, public officials or security officers should be established through evidence and that anyone found responsible should face the law.
Kaluma asked to explain remarks
The organisation also called on Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma to explain remarks he made before the rally, which it said could reasonably have been understood as encouraging residents and business owners to obstruct Linda Mwananchi’s activities.
The statement asked Kaluma to clarify the remarks before the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC).
The NCIC has since moved to summon political actors over the Homa Bay violence, including Kaluma over alleged incitement.
The diaspora organisation also called on Governor Gladys Wanga to account for what her administration knew about the possibility of violence, what preventive measures were taken and what action followed the clashes.
It stressed that the demand for an explanation did not amount to an accusation of criminal responsibility.
Calls for police accountability
LMD USA urged the National Police Service to investigate the violence and provide information on the suspects arrested.
It also called on IPOA to examine allegations concerning the conduct or possible failure of police officers during the clashes, while asking the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to prosecute suspects where sufficient evidence exists.
The organisation wants NCIC to investigate allegations of incitement, hate speech and political intimidation.
The calls come amid continuing scrutiny of the police response to the Homa Bay violence. Police have said investigations are ongoing and that they are pursuing other people who may have participated in or organised the violence.
Warning over political violence
LMD USA described the Homa Bay events as part of a wider problem of political violence in Kenya, warning against the use of organised groups to intimidate political opponents or disrupt lawful political activities.
It urged political leaders across the political divide to reject violence and called on the government to protect the right to peaceful political participation.
The organisation also appealed to international bodies, including the African Union, United Nations human-rights mechanisms and international media-freedom organisations, to monitor developments in Kenya ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The Homa Bay violence has renewed concerns about political intolerance ahead of the elections, with rights organisations warning that attacks on political participants and journalists could undermine democratic participation.
LMD USA said it stood with journalists, residents and political participants affected by the violence and demanded truth, accountability and guarantees that similar incidents will not be repeated.
