Governor Gladys Wanga launches a water kiosk in Homa Bay. #Homabay

Protests Erupt in Homa Bay After DCI Arrests Suspected Gang Leader

Protests erupted in Homa Bay after detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) reportedly arrested a suspected gang leader linked to violent incidents in the area.

Angry youths took to the streets, barricading roads and lighting bonfires as tensions rose following the reported arrest.

The incident disrupted movement in parts of the town, with the situation raising concerns over security and the growing tensions surrounding the suspect’s arrest. #Homabay

People with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Homa Bay want the county government to prioritise their medication in the budget to ensure their health. #Homabay

Human rights defenders in Homa Bay want the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) disbanded for failure to take action against leaders spreading hate speech. #Homabay

Water CS Flags Clogged Filters at Oyugis Water Project

Water Cabinet Secretary Eng. Eric Mugaa has raised concerns over serious operational problems at the Oyugis water project in Homa Bay County.

During a joint inspection with Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Mugaa flagged sand filters that have reportedly remained unchanged since the facility was commissioned two years ago.

The CS also raised concerns over improper chemical dosing during rainy weather, warning that continued poor maintenance could compromise the efficiency and sustainability of the project.

Mugaa called for the immediate engagement of an experienced water-treatment operator to address the technical challenges and prevent further damage to the facility.

Governor Wanga, meanwhile, warned her team to move quickly on the necessary repairs, noting that failure to act could result in the loss of up to 12 million litres of water and potentially trigger disputes with residents.

The inspection highlighted the importance of technical expertise, proper maintenance and close coordination between national and county governments in ensuring that major water infrastructure delivers the services it was designed to provide.
#Homabay

Kenyan Police Order Gang Leader to Surrender After Homa Bay Clashes

The National Police Service has directed Kassim Abdi Sebu, alleged leader of the Hammer Boys gang, to report to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations in Homa Bay following clashes that disrupted the Linda Mwananchi tour near Kodongo.

Some media reports have linked the group to Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, while the governor has denied involvement, blaming outsiders for the violence and saying local residents were defending their area.

The incident has increased political tensions in Luo Nyanza ahead of the 2027 General Election, with critics raising concerns about alleged political protection of armed groups and calling for accountability beyond individual arrests. #Homabay

Violence Mars Linda Mwananchi Tour in Homa Bay, Two Killed

Violence marred the Linda Mwananchi tour in Homa Bay over the weekend, leaving at least two people dead and 46 others injured as clashes erupted in parts of the county.

Media crews covering the events, including journalists from Royal Media Services, the Standard Group and K24, were also reportedly targeted during the unrest. The attacks have drawn condemnation from leaders, with James Orengo describing the assaults as cowardly and calling for accountability.

Governor Gladys Wanga defended Homa Bay against criticism over its poor road network, attributing the condition of some roads to years of marginalization. She pointed to ongoing road projects, including the Mbita–Sindo–Kiabuya–Sori corridor, as evidence of efforts to improve infrastructure.

The violence has sparked wider concern over political intolerance, with leaders including Ahmednasir Abdullahi, Fred Matiang’i and Irungu Kang’ata calling for those responsible to be held accountable. The National Cohesion and Integration Commission has also warned that escalating political hostility could threaten peace, national cohesion and citizens’ rights. #Homabay #Wanga #Sifuna

After the Linda ODM violence in Homa Bay, police listed the following officers as casualties
1. PC Jim Richardson Okundi — Dead
2. SSP Fredrick Ombaka — Neck pain and head bruises
3. Cpl Leonard Wanjala — Cut on right thumb and back pain
4. PC Geoffrey Kebenei — Bruises on left hand
5. PC Benard Odundo — Swollen right leg and bruises on both wrists

#Homabay

Activists Protest Outside Jogoo House, Demand IG Kanja’s Resignation

There was tension outside Jogoo House in Nairobi on Monday, August 17, as activists held demonstrations calling for the resignation of Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja.

The protesters, led by activist Julius Kamau, accused the police of brutality and demanded accountability over recent reports of deaths in custody and alleged abductions. Kamau reportedly chained himself to the gates of Jogoo House as protesters sought to draw attention to their concerns.

Footage from the demonstration showed Kamau engaged in a heated confrontation with police officers while still chained to the gate.

The activists also raised concerns over the recent unrest in Homa Bay, calling for investigations into the incidents and greater accountability within the police service. #Homabay #Nairobi

This is the state of the roads in Homa Bay County 13 years after devolution! #Homabay #Sifuna

Gladys Wanga Defends Homa Bay After ‘Yemen’ Remark Over Poor Roads

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga on Sunday, August 16, defended the county’s development record following criticism over its poor roads.

Speaking during a funds drive at Wikondiek SDA Church in Karachuonyo, Homa Bay County, Wanga attributed the poor state of roads in parts of the county to years of marginalisation under previous regimes.

Wanga said Homa Bay had been marginalised partly because its residents had historically participated in the struggle for national reforms, including the push for a new Constitution, devolution and human rights.

“They are laughing at us saying Homa Bay looks like Yemen, because of bad roads. They don't understand our pain because all these years we've been voting but no development has come to this region because we decided to fight for the country, to bring new constitution, devolution and human rights,” Wanga stated. #Homabay #Wanga

Crowd Disperses as Tear Gas Lobbed During Linda Mwananchi Rally in Homa Bay

Chaotic scenes were witnessed in Homa Bay on Sunday as tear gas was lobbed at the Linda Mwananchi convoy while it navigated the county.

The incident forced crowds gathered along the route to disperse as the convoy encountered sections of the road strewn with stones and barricades.

Linda Mwananchi leaders were forced to make a brief stop as supporters moved in to clear the road and create a path for the convoy.

The disruption came amid heightened tension in Homa Bay, where police had deployed officers to escort the convoy during its political activities.

Earlier, sections of roads had reportedly been blocked with large stones, disrupting movement ahead of the planned rallies.

The Linda Mwananchi Movement, led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and other leaders, continued with its programme despite the disruptions. Sifuna later addressed residents in Nyandiwa, where the movement received a large turnout.

The incidents come amid growing political activity in Homa Bay ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Amnesty International Kenya condemned reported violence, attacks on journalists, disruption of media broadcasts and destruction of property during political activities in Homa Bay.

The human rights organisation also raised concern over reported road blockades and intimidation, blaming them on the failure of security agencies to take timely and effective action to protect citizens.

In a statement on Sunday, August 16, Amnesty said it was deeply alarmed by reports that groups of people allegedly targeted accommodation facilities suspected to be hosting Linda Mwananchi leaders or their supporters.

It said the incidents posed a serious threat to constitutional freedoms, including freedom of expression, media freedom, access to information, freedom of movement, peaceful assembly and political participation.

Amnesty International Kenya Executive Director George Morara said the State has a constitutional and legal obligation to protect all people and ensure they can exercise their rights without fear of violence or intimidation. #Homabay #Sifuna

“Bwana walisema huku Homabay ndio kuna shiny things kumbe ni ukora tu…dust is constant”
#Sifuna #Homabay #Elections2027
— Edwin Sifuna

Linda Mwananchi Convoy Faces Roadblocks and Attacks in Homa Bay

On August 16, the opposition-linked Linda Mwananchi convoy led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna pushed through Homa Bay County, hitting early roadblocks that forced detours onto crumbling, dust-choked paths lacking even power lines.

Kisumu AFP correspondent Fred Ooko was beaten and robbed of his camera while covering the events, with a colleague also injured by groups armed with crude weapons.

Critics blamed Governor Gladys Wanga and local MPs for neglecting infrastructure despite years in office, turning the tour into an unintended spotlight on accountability ahead of 2027 elections. #Homabay #Sifuna

Despite hurdles, the group reached stops like Nyandiwa, where initial blockers joined crowds.

When you come to Homa Bay, please remember that the airstrip, the piers, and the roads you land on, anchor at, and drive on while shouting your useless 'wantam' political slogans were built by President Ruto - Peter Kaluma #Homabay

Roads Blocked Ahead of Linda Mwananchi Rally in Homa Bay

Homa Bay Town woke up to heightened tensions on Sunday, August 16, after key roads leading to Nyandiwa were reportedly blocked from around 4 a.m. ahead of the planned Linda Mwananchi rally.

Large stones were placed across sections of the Nyandiwa road and other access routes, disrupting movement and leaving some areas inaccessible to motorists.

Videos circulating online also showed tyres reportedly set ablaze at Kendu Junction in Oyugis, as groups opposed to the Linda Mwananchi tour took to the streets.

Linda Mwananchi supporters have raised concerns that the road blockades were intended to prevent them from accessing the rally venue, adding to tensions in Homa Bay. #Sifuna #Homabay

🚨 CONTROVERSY ROCKS HOMA BAY COUNTY

A developing controversy in Homa Bay County has sparked public outrage following allegations involving the County Woman Representative and popular local musician Atomy Sifa.

According to the allegations, the Woman Representative recently came under criticism after reportedly using County Affirmative Action Funds to build a house for her brother. The claims attracted widespread condemnation from residents, including Atomy Sifa, who publicly criticized what he described as corruption and poor leadership.

It is alleged that after the criticism, the Woman Representative became angry and warned that she would "deal with" the musician.

According to the claims, matters escalated when one of her employees allegedly took one of her cows and tied it inside the musician's compound while he was away performing at a local club. The Woman Representative then reportedly called police, claiming the musician had stolen her cow.

When Atomy Sifa returned home and found the cow tied in his compound, it is alleged that he chose to leave it there, believing the owner would simply come and collect it. Instead, officers from Kendu Bay Police Station reportedly arrived, found the cow still tied where it had been left, arrested the musician, and detained him.

The arrest reportedly triggered public anger, with residents demanding an explanation and accusing the Woman Representative of abusing the criminal justice system to settle personal scores.

According to the allegations, when the case came up in court the following day, the Woman Representative personally appeared and withdrew the case, reportedly stating that the "missing" cow had been found.

If these allegations are true, they raise serious questions about the misuse of public office, abuse of police processes, and the need for accountability.

Authorities have not publicly confirmed these allegations or responded to the claims.

What do you think? Should there be an independent investigation into this matter?

#HomaBay #Elections2027