NCIC Opens Action Against Politicians Over Homa Bay Rally Attacks

By Suleiman Mbatiah

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has begun summoning political actors over violence that disrupted Linda Mwananchi rallies in Homa Bay County on Sunday, leaving several people injured, vehicles damaged and journalists assaulted.

The commission said it had started the process of identifying, summoning and holding responsible political actors to account for the unrest. It did not name those targeted or indicate when they would appear before it.

In a statement dated August 16, NCIC described the violence as a worrying sign of growing political intolerance and said it threatened constitutional freedoms, public safety and peaceful democratic participation.

“The rise in political intolerance in the country, marred by negative political rhetoric must come to an end,” commission chairman Bishop Dr Kepha Nyamweya Omae said.

The unrest began on Saturday night when a group of youths raided Homa Bay Tourist Hotel, damaged windows and other property, and allegedly stole valuables while searching for Linda Mwananchi supporters.

Roads leading to Homa Bay Town and venues in Nyandiwa, Suba South, were later barricaded with stones and logs. The blockades forced Linda Mwananchi leaders to change routes and cancel a planned church visit.

Groups carrying stones and sticks confronted vehicles associated with the political tour. One vehicle was set on fire, several others were vandalised and four journalists were reported injured. Police and Linda Mwananchi supporters later dispersed some of the groups.

Two Agence France-Presse journalists, Fred Ooko and Brian Ongoro, were allegedly dragged along a road, beaten with clubs and robbed of cameras, identification documents and other belongings. The journalists reported the assault at Homa Bay Police Station after receiving assistance from residents.

The Kenya Editors Guild described the incident as an attack on media freedom and asked Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja to order an independent and transparent investigation. It also called for the stolen equipment and documents to be recovered.

Police arrested 17 suspects in separate operations connected to planned unrest around the rallies. Two were detained near Yamase with five pangas, while 15 others were arrested along the Kisumu-Kericho highway while travelling in three vehicles containing crude weapons, according to reports.

NCIC said every Kenyan had the right to conduct lawful political activities in any part of the country. It cited Article 37 of the Constitution, which protects the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket and present petitions peacefully and unarmed.

The commission, however, said those freedoms must be exercised without incitement, hate speech or disorder. It urged political leaders and supporters to reject divisive rhetoric and resolve their differences through dialogue.

“Political competition must never be equated with hostility, violence, or ethnic antagonism,” Omae said.

The commission also condemned intimidation, incitement and the excessive use of force, saying violence directed at citizens undermined national unity and social stability.

Before the rallies, the National Police Service had warned political leaders and organisers against provoking unrest. It also directed officers deployed to political events to remain impartial, exercise restraint and facilitate peaceful assembly while maintaining public order.

Amnesty International Kenya separately called for an independent investigation into the attacks, destruction of property, disruption of media broadcasts and unlawful roadblocks. The rights organisation also sought a review of the police response to establish whether security agencies failed to prevent foreseeable violence or protect affected people

NCIC urged young people and political supporters not to allow themselves to be recruited to attack opponents or disrupt lawful gatherings.

“We urge political supporters and youth to exercise restraint and avoid being used for political violence,” Omae said.

The violence comes as political groups increase rallies and grassroots mobilization ahead of the 2027 General Election, raising concern about the safety of political participants, journalists and members of the public.