By Habil Onyango
It is almost a week since the violent incidents were reported in most parts of Homa Bay County by youths perceived to be “goons.”
On Sunday, August 16, 2026, the Linda Mwananchi team, led by Siaya Governor James Orengo, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi MP Babu Owino, Trans-Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and Suba South MP Caroly Omondi, made a tour to Homa Bay County.
Their journey started with Nyandiwa and then moved to Sindo within MP Caroly’s territory, and finally landed in Homa Bay Town late in the day.
The tour, however, was marred by violent incidents where youths aligned to the call for President William Ruto’s one term and the other team supporting the President’s two terms clashed.
During the clashes, several people, including a police officer, were attacked and died; some sustained critical injuries; property was destroyed; businesses were looted; hotels were attacked and looted; and vehicles were burnt down.
Several youths have already been arrested following the fracas that ensued, while the politicians continue to blame one another for the attacks by the alleged “goons.”
The memories of the chaos and attacks which were witnessed in the county, and especially in Homa Bay Town, are still fresh in residents’ minds.
A renowned entrepreneur and politician, Isaiah Ogwe, is now calling for compensation to those who lost their loved ones, had property destroyed, and incurred business losses during the material day.
According to Ogwe, the Government is mandated to protect lives and property, and he thanked President William Ruto for the stern directive he has issued on goons and their masters.
“I wish to categorically condemn in the strongest terms the mayhem that was caused in Homa Bay on Sunday 16 August 2026 during the visit by the Linda Mwananchi political leaders.
“It is my appeal that there should be no sacred cows in this. I request that compensation be made to those who lost their loved ones, property as well as business losses incurred,” said Ogwe.
Ogwe, who served as the Homa Bay County Secretary during former Governor Cyprian Awiti’s tenure, has expressed interest in the Homa Bay Town parliamentary seat come Tuesday, August 10, 2027, in the General Elections.
According to Ogwe, the deaths, injuries, destruction of property and loss of businesses witnessed on the day cannot be accepted or justified by right-thinking, peace-loving Kenyans, and more particularly the residents of Homa Bay.
He condemned the misuse of youths, where he alleged that an elected political leader was captured live instructing youths to take the law into their own hands and attack perceived political opponents and further invade hotels where such opponents had booked accommodation.
The youths—the goons—were subsequently given cash and machetes to execute the directive, which sadly they did.
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has already summoned Homa Bay Town MP Opondo Kaluma over alleged inciting remarks made during a public gathering in Homa Bay County.
Kaluma reportedly declared the “one term” phrase prohibited and urged action against opponents of President William Ruto’s re-election.
He is being investigated for potential hate speech, incitement, and political intolerance linked to local political rallies.
“It has also been reported that more than 50 people were injured and are still nursing panga cuts, stone wounds and even bullet wounds in various health facilities,” alleged Ogwe.
“Such attacks are unacceptable, and I condemn the same in equal measure. I wish all the victims quick recovery,” he noted.
According to the parliamentary hopeful, the unwarranted destruction of property that was witnessed reminds the country of wars in Haiti, Yemen and Somalia, adding that no one can believe that it happened in Homa Bay in the 21st century.
“Goons burnt vehicles, hotels were attacked, property was destroyed, racks for the small businesses were damaged and used to barricade roads and their merchandise looted; even churches like the SDA field headquarters were not spared, where looting occurred and property destroyed,” said Ogwe.
Homa Bay Tourists Hotel, one of the facilities which was attacked by the goons, was destroyed, and the owner estimated the damage at over 30 million shillings. On the material day, destruction of businesses was realised, and the town was shut down and businesses closed.
“The economic loss was on a large scale that cannot even be quantified. We cannot afford to have such losses just to protect individual political interests,” warned Ogwe.
“I call upon fellow politicians to guard against inflammatory statements and stop inciting the youths.
“To the youths, do not allow yourselves to be misused or incited by politicians. Our youths need economic empowerment and not incitement to violence,” advised Ogwe.
