Chaos rocked the Linda Mwananchi rallies in Homa Bay County on Sunday as at least one vehicle was torched, several people including journalists injured and 17 suspects arrested.
Several other cars were attacked and vandalized in the chaos that seems to have had blessings from higher offices.
There was no official comment from the local governor Gladys Wanga, police or the interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo who comes from the area.
The attacks targeted at Linda Mwananchi supporters started on Saturday night when goons attacked Homa Bay Tourist Hotel where they shattered windows, destroyed property and stole items before leaving on motorcycles.
They were armed with stones and sticks as they traversed Nyandiwa, Suba South where the Linda Mwananchi team were to attend a church service.
Roads leading to the church were blocked with stones and logs. Forcing the leaders to cancel their plan to worship with residents.
Youth supporting the broad based government patrolled the town armed with stones chanting pro-government slogans while those of Linda Mwananchi who were armed with sticks also combed the area in reflectors as they waited for leaders to arrive.
Oyugis and Homa Bay town remained tense the better part of the day.
In Oyugis, youths lit bonfires along the main highway disrupting the smooth flow of traffic.
In Homa Bay town, pro-govermnent groups blocked all the roads leading to the town center with stones.
Journalists who were out documenting the events faced the wrath of the goons.
Two journalists from Royal Media Services (RMS) were among four journalists attacked and injured by goons seeking to block the faction from accessing Homa Bay Town.
During the attack the media team lost their valuables and a car belonging to RMS was vandalized.
One vehicle was torched a few kilometres from Homa Bay Town as the Linda Mwananchi leaders made their way to town centre.
Several other vehicles were vandalised by goons who were repulsed by police and Linda Mwananchi supporters.
The acts of violence began on Saturday night, Homa Bay Town was turned to a goons paradise.
Homa Bay Tourist Hotel bore the brunt of political intolerance when a group of youth donning ODM attire stormed the hotel riding on motorcycles.
They shattered windows, destroyed property and stole valuables.
Their mission, to flush out Linda Mwananchi supporters, a case that is currently under active investigations.
Former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati’s convoy was also attacked at the Asumbi Junction as he made his way to Nyandiwa.
The operation to deal with criminal gangs who were prepared to cause mayhem led to the arrest of 17 people.
Two suspects were arrested along the Ndhiwa Road in Yamase, Migori county with five pangas. They were moving in vehicles along the route.
In a separate operation, 15 suspects were arrested along the Kisumu – Kericho highway.
The Operation involving police and DCI Operations Support Unit led to the recovery of crude weapons from the suspects who were aboard a grey Toyota Noah and two white vans.
They were reportedly on their way to Homa Bay County ahead of Sunday’s Linda Mwananchi rallies. The violence meted on journalists and residents has been condemned by Kenya Editors Guild and Amnesty International who have have called on the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to move with speed and arrest the perpetrators.
They have also condemned inciteful remarks by local leaders.
Several politicians condemned the chaos witnessed in the area.
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