Lead image for 37 suspected gang members arrested over Homa Bay rally chaos.
Police have arrested 37 suspected gang members following violence that erupted during the Linda Mwananchi political rallies in Homa Bay on Sunday, as the National Police Service intensified operations to identify and apprehend those behind the chaos.
The suspects were allegedly found in possession of crude weapons including machetes, ropes, metal rods, knives, rungus, batons and torches, according to a statement issued by police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga.
Mr Nyaga said officers are also pursuing suspect Oliver Jaoko, alias “Olivetti”, who they say is at large and may have been involved in the violence.
The NPS has directed Mr Jaoko to surrender to the nearest police station to assist with investigations, while warning that operations to arrest him and other people linked to the violence are ongoing.
The shell of a torched car in Homa Bay a day after a Linda Mwananchi rally turned violent.
The arrests come a day after violence broke out during a rally led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and other leaders in Homa Bay, leaving a police officer dead, several others injured and vehicles damaged.