Homa Bay gang leader Kassim Abdi Sebo, who is the main suspect in violence that rocked a Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay town, will remain in custody for six more days following his arraignment at the Kisii Law Courts.
Sebo pleaded not guilty to charges of assaulting Maurice Auko at the Homa Bay Bus Terminus.
The court ordered his detention at Kisii Central Police Station to allow the preparation of a probation report before further directions are issued in the case.
His defence strongly opposed his continued detention, claiming that Sebo had been tortured and denied medical treatment. Sebo was also allowed to speak in court where he claimed he had been denied an opportunity to speak on his mobile phone since his arrest.
However, the prosecution opposed his release on bond, arguing that he was a habitual offender who had previously skipped bond and could pose a threat to witnesses.
The Magistrate subsequently directed police to escort Sebo to Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital for medication.
The case will be mentioned on October 19 for further directions.
Sebo was arrested at Homa Bay Bus Stage on October 8, while police officers were executing a warrant issued by the Homa Bay Law Courts on August 14, 2026.
The warrant relates to an alleged offence of assault causing actual bodily harm, contrary to Section 251 of the Penal Code.
The arrest was carried out by officers from Homa Bay Police Station and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Homa Bay Sub-County, under the command of County Police Commander Lawrence Koilem.
Violence disrupted the Linda Mwananchi movement’s tour of Homa Bay County in August, which led to clashes between the movement’s supporters and the police.
The movement said the conflicts left several people injured, with two reported dead from injuries sustained during the violence.
They called on the police to investigate the alleged conduct of security officers and also challenged Homa Bay political leaders to explain what they knew about the incidents and what action they took to prevent the violence.
Since then, more than 50 suspects linked to his gang have been arrested in police operations.
Sebo is alleged to have close links to senior political and government officials from the area.
The allegations come as investigators probe the events that left at least ten people dead, including a police officer, while scores of others sustained panga-related injuries and are receiving treatment in hospital.
Police had since ordered him to surrender to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) at the Homa Bay County headquarters to assist with investigations into the unrest.
He defied the orders. The latest development has brought renewed attention to the identity and alleged activities of the group amid heightened scrutiny over organised political violence in Homa Bay.
Reports identify Sebo as the leader of the Hammer Boys, a group that has featured in claims surrounding political mobilisation and violence in the Homa Bay area.
Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
