Police lob tear gas canisters to disperse protesting residents in Homa Bay Town on August 4, 2026. [James Omoro, Standard]
Religious leaders have condemned the violence that erupted in Homa Bay Town targeting Linda Mwananchi Movement proponents, where police arrested six youth on Tuesday afternoon.
The youth attacked Linda Mwananchi Movement Co-ordinator Samuel Nyauke, human rights defender Evance Oloo and two other men over their political association.
The events took an ugly turn after rowdy youth poured into the streets and lit bonfires to protest the arrest of the six individuals by police.
They blocked various roads in the town before engaging police in running battles.
The violence led to looting of goods and destruction of business premises.
The Chairman of Interfaith Network Nyanza region, Bishop Abrahams Wanda Odongo and the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) Secretary in Homa Bay County Abdul Masud warned that the ongoing use of goons will cause anarchy in Homa Bay.
Dr Odongo told residents to shun leaders who incite them to cause violence.