HOMA BAY, Kenya — A police officer has died and eight others sustained injuries following clashes during the Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay County on Sunday 16, August 2026 evening.
The deceased officer, who was attached to Muhoroni Police Station in Kisumu County, was struck on the head by a stone while driving along the Homa Bay-Kendu Bay Road.
Homa Bay County Police Commander Lawrence Koilem said the officer was transporting his commander and other colleagues back to Muhoroni after joining a security reinforcement team deployed to Homa Bay for the political rally.
The officer was reportedly attacked between Olare and Nyangweso trading centres in Rangwe Sub-county.
He was rushed to a hospital in Kisumu County for treatment but died while receiving medical attention.
“The officer was hit with a stone on the head when he was driving his boss and other officers on their way back to Muhoroni,” Koilem said.
Two Kisumu-based Agence France-Presse (AFP) journalists were also assaulted and several businesses and transport services disrupted as tensions escalated during the Linda Mwananchi rally in the region.
AFP journalists Fred Ooko and Brian Ongoro were attacked by a group of men armed with crude weapons while covering events in Homa Bay town.
The journalists were reportedly dragged along the road and beaten with clubs before a boda boda rider intervened and helped them.
During the assault, the attackers allegedly seized their press cards, driving licences, cameras and other personal belongings.
Ooko and Ongoro subsequently reported the incident at Homa Bay Police Station.
Eight officers injured
Koilem said eight other police officers sustained injuries during the unrest.
Seven officers suffered minor injuries and were treated before being discharged, while another officer who sustained a serious head injury was transferred to a hospital in Kisii Town for further treatment.
The officers were among personnel deployed to Homa Bay to reinforce security during the Linda Mwananchi political activities.
The circumstances surrounding the clashes and the specific events that led to the officer being struck remain under investigation.
22 suspects arrested
Police also arrested 22 suspects in different parts of Homa Bay County in connection with the unrest.
According to Koilem, some of those arrested were found in possession of crude weapons and vehicles with concealed number plates.
The arrests came amid heightened tension surrounding the Linda Mwananchi rally, which attracted opposition leaders and supporters to parts of Homa Bay County.
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The rally was accompanied by disruptions in parts of the region, including road blockades and clashes involving groups of youths and security officers.
The latest incident has raised fresh concerns over the safety of security officers, political supporters, journalists and other civilians during political gatherings as Kenya heads towards the 2027 General Election.
Police said investigations would continue to establish the circumstances surrounding the violence and hold those responsible accountable.
