Matatu services suspended and businesses shut as demonstrators demand the release of eight suspects arrested over August rally violence.
Protests erupted in Homa Bay town after detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) arrested Kassim Abdi Sebo over his alleged involvement in violence witnessed during the Linda Mwananchi movement rally in the county in August.
The arrest, carried out on Thursday night, October 8, triggered demonstrations that continued into Friday morning, October 9, disrupting transport and business activities across the town.
Sebo was arrested at Homa Bay Bus Stage following a warrant issued by the Homa Bay Law Courts.
Investigators reportedly linked him to the chaos that marred the political rally held in the county on Sunday, August 16.
During the operation, detectives also arrested seven other individuals accused of obstructing officers as they apprehended Sebo.
They were identified as Achiando Victor Odhiambo, Isaac Masika Muliro, Oyege Moses Geoffrey, Geoffrey Njore, Odhiambo Wesley Arnold, Joseph Kobila and Alfred Nyagiro Aliwa.
The arrests sparked anger among residents and demonstrators, who took to the streets demanding the immediate release of Sebo and the seven other suspects.
The unrest persisted into Friday morning, with matatu operators suspending services and businesses closing their premises amid heightened tension.
The disruptions affected movement within the town and interrupted normal commercial activities.
The circumstances surrounding the arrests, the suspects’ next court appearances and whether additional security measures have been deployed were not immediately established.
Millie Odhiambo Reacts to Homa Bay Unrest
Suba North Member of Parliament Millie Odhiambo expressed sadness over the developments, suggesting that the unrest was the culmination of a situation that had been allowed to develop over time.
“What is going on in Homabay is sad. It was planted. It took root. It germinated. It is producing fruit. Sad by a lot. Lit by a lot,” Odhiambo wrote.
Her remarks came against the backdrop of heightened political tensions following the violence that disrupted the Linda Mwananchi movement’s rally in Homa Bay in August.
What Happened During the August Linda Mwananchi Rally?
Violence was reported during the Linda Mwananchi rally held on Sunday, August 16, prompting a strong response from the National Police Service (NPS).
In a statement issued after the incident, police reported that five police vehicles had been damaged, journalists had been attacked and a police officer had been killed.
The NPS further announced the arrest of 37 suspects allegedly linked to the violence, saying some were found in possession of crude weapons, including machetes, ropes, metal rods, knives, rungus, batons and torches.
“A total of 37 suspected gang members have been arrested and were found in possession of various crude weapons,” the police service said, adding that the suspects would be processed in accordance with the law.
The latest arrest of Sebo comes nearly two months after the incident and raises renewed questions about accountability for the August violence, the progress of investigations and the potential impact of the case on political activities in the region.
Linda Mwananchi Leadership Disputes Police Account
The Linda Mwananchi leadership disputed the police account of the August incident, alleging that its leaders and supporters were subjected to a coordinated and premeditated campaign of violence and intimidation during their tour of Homa Bay County.
The contrasting accounts have left competing claims about the circumstances surrounding the rally violence, underscoring the need for investigations to establish individual responsibility and for any allegations to be tested through due legal process.
As protests continue to draw attention to the arrests, the immediate concern remains the restoration of normalcy in Homa Bay town, the resumption of public transport and business operations, and the prevention of further violence.
The latest developments also place renewed focus on the handling of politically charged investigations, the protection of journalists covering public events and the right of residents to express their grievances peacefully.
Sebo and the seven other individuals arrested during the operation remain suspects, and the allegations against them should not be treated as proof of guilt. Further official updates on the arrests, court proceedings and the security situation are awaited.
