HOMA BAY, Kenya — One person has died and 46 others were injured after violence erupted during the Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay Town on Sunday, August 16, 2026.
According to a report from Homa Bay County Teaching and Referral Hospital, the deceased was a Ugandan woman who was reportedly hit by a vehicle during the chaos. She later died while receiving treatment at the hospital.
Out of the 46 people injured, seven were reported to be in critical condition, while four sustained gunshot wounds. Most of the other victims suffered deep cuts after allegedly being attacked with pangas as the Linda Mwananchi team made its way into Homa Bay Town from Sindo in Suba South.
The injured were initially taken to Homa Bay County Teaching and Referral Hospital for first aid before some were transferred to private health facilities in the region for further treatment.
The transfers were linked to an ongoing nurses’ strike at the county hospital.The violence also resulted in destruction of property.
At least six vehicles were reportedly torched after groups of armed youths barricaded the Homa Bay-Mbita road between Lala and Junction Kodoyo, apparently seeking to prevent the Linda Mwananchi team from accessing Homa Bay Town.
The headquarters of the Seventh Day Adventist Church’s Lake Victoria Field in Lala was also reportedly attacked, with the building and vehicles in its compound damaged.
The church’s leadership condemned the violence and called on political leaders to embrace dialogue.
The incident has heightened concerns over political violence as opposition leaders continue their mobilisation activities ahead of the 2027 General Election.
