HOMA BAY, Kenya — A political rally by Linda Mwananchi in Homa Bay Town descended into violence, leaving one person dead, 46 injured and several vehicles and properties damaged as supporters made their way into the town.
The deceased was a Ugandan woman who was reportedly hit by a vehicle during the chaos. She was rushed to Homa Bay County Teaching and Referral Hospital, where she later died while receiving treatment.
Of the 46 people injured, seven are in critical condition, while four sustained gunshot wounds after they were attacked by armed individuals.
The casualties were reported as Linda Mwananchi brigades travelled from Sindo in Suba South towards Homa Bay Town.
Most of those injured suffered deep cuts from machetes on different parts of their bodies.
The victims were initially taken to the county referral hospital for first aid before some were transferred to private health facilities for further treatment amid an ongoing nurses’ strike.
The violence also left a trail of destruction across Homa Bay Town.
Six vehicles were set on fire after armed groups reportedly barricaded the Homa Bay-Mbita road from the Lala area to Junction Kodoyo.
The barricades were allegedly intended to prevent Linda Mwananchi supporters from accessing Homa Bay Town.
The burnt vehicles were later towed to Homa Bay Police Station, where they remain as investigations continue.
In a separate incident linked to the violence, armed individuals reportedly stormed the headquarters of SDA Lake Victoria Field in Lala village along the Homa Bay-Mbita road.
The attackers damaged the church building and vehicles parked within the compound.
Lake Victoria Field President Pastor Samson Okwach said the church was still assessing the extent and value of property lost during the attack.
Okwach condemned the political violence witnessed in Homa Bay and called on local leaders to embrace dialogue to prevent further bloodshed.
He urged political leaders to take steps to protect residents and prevent political disagreements from escalating into violence.
The incident has renewed concerns over the safety of political gatherings in Homa Bay, with the death, injuries and destruction of property increasing pressure on local leaders to find ways of containing political violence in the region.
