Ruth Odinga warns Homa Bay goons could spiral out of control

Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga has warned that goonism in Homa Bay County could become increasingly difficult for the government to control, demanding action against organised gangs and individuals suspected of financing political violence.

Odinga questioned the security response to overnight unrest in Homa Bay Town following the arrest of Kassim Abdi Sebo on Thursday, October 8, 2026, arguing that the destruction of property and disruption of businesses raised questions about police preparedness.

Her remarks come nearly two months after violence disrupted the Linda Mwananchi political rally in Homa Bay on August 16, 2026, leaving people dead, dozens injured and several vehicles torched.

“As a leader in Kisumu County and in Kenya, and especially within Nyanza region and also the whole of Kenya, this growing and escalating issue of the dragon which we call goonism or goons is becoming one that I am saying with confidence that is going to really, really be difficult for the government to control,” she said.

The Kisumu Woman Representative questioned why security officers appeared to intervene only in the morning despite reports of rioting and destruction continuing through the night.

“When this was the police just come to intervene in the morning when the whole night the destruction was going on,” she said.

She challenged authorities to explain whether security agencies had adequate measures to respond to violence after dark.

“Do you mean to tell me that there’s no security at night in Homa Bay and that security can only come out at daytime?” she posed.

Sebo was arrested at Homa Bay Bus Stage on Thursday night as police and Directorate of Criminal Investigations officers moved to execute a warrant issued by the Homa Bay Law Courts on August 14, 2026.

He was wanted over an assault offence. Seven other men were also arrested after attempting to obstruct officers during the operation.

The arrest triggered protests in parts of Homa Bay Town, with reports of road barricades, burning tyres and businesses shutting down amid tension.

Odinga questioned why authorities had not acted more decisively against individuals linked to earlier violence, saying the latest unrest demonstrated the need to address both the perpetrators and those allegedly organising or financing them.

“So now when you arrest the person and you see that right now we have a whole gang coming out and actually rioting the whole night, destroying property, disrupting businesses,” she said.

She warned that continued violence could undermine development efforts and make restoring order increasingly difficult.

The latest unrest comes against the backdrop of the August 16 violence that disrupted the Linda Mwananchi team’s activities in Homa Bay County.

The clashes affected the movement of the political team as it travelled towards Homa Bay Town from Sindo in Suba South. Armed youths reportedly blocked roads, attacked people and damaged property as tensions escalated.

At least six vehicles were torched, while shops and other properties were damaged. The violence also affected the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s Lake Victoria Field headquarters in Lala, where buildings and vehicles were reportedly damaged.

Hospital officials reported that 46 people sustained injuries during the clashes, including four who suffered gunshot wounds. Two deaths, including that of a police officer, were initially reported. The death toll subsequently rose to four after another body was discovered in Oyugis.

Journalists covering the events were also attacked, with media equipment vandalised or stolen.

Former Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga subsequently called for investigations into politicians who incited or financed the violence, urging the government to hold those responsible accountable.

Odinga said authorities must establish why violence continues despite security agencies having information about individuals allegedly involved in organised gangs.

She also questioned whether those responsible for financing or coordinating the groups were being pursued.

“So where is the lapse? And who is fooling who? What is going on?” she asked.

Her remarks place renewed attention on the government’s response to political violence in Homa Bay, with questions over the protection of residents, businesses and political gatherings.

The arrest of Sebo and the subsequent unrest have also renewed scrutiny of whether action against individuals allegedly linked to violence can prevent further confrontations.

Odinga called for decisive action against those responsible, warning that failure to address the problem could allow goonism to grow beyond the government’s ability to contain it.