The wreckage of a vehicle that was set on fire by goons in Homa Bay town on August 16, 2026. [James Omoro, Standard]
A United States-based chapter of the Linda Mwananchi movement has warned Kenya risks a return to the political violence of the 2007-2008 post-election crisis unless authorities act over last weekend's attacks on journalists and supporters in Homa Bay County.
The Linda Mwananchi Diaspora USA Chapter said the violence witnessed during the movement's tour of Homa Bay on Sunday, August 16, was a targeted attempt to frustrate its lawful political activities.
"Kenya must not be permitted to slide toward the patterns of intimidation and political violence experienced during previous electoral periods, particularly the 2007-2008 post-election crisis," the group said in a statement.
The Homa Bay rally descended into chaos as armed youths barricaded roads, torched vehicles and attacked journalists from multiple media houses including Mediamax Network Limited, Royal Media Services, Standard Group's KTN and AFP.
Police arrested 17 people over the unrest.
The diaspora group demanded that anyone found to have organised, planned or participated in the violence face accountability regardless of their affiliation, including private individuals, political actors, public officials or security personnel.