ODM Calls for Accountability After Deadly Violence at Homa Bay Rally

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has condemned the violence at the Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay, where four people died and dozens of others were injured.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, ODM Secretary General Catherine Omanyo called for restraint and political tolerance, saying those responsible for the violence should be held accountable. She said Kenya’s democratic space must not be allowed to deteriorate into intimidation and bloodshed.

The party condemned what it described as “hooliganism, thuggery and violence” and said every citizen has the right to assemble and express political views without fear. Omanyo said no political gathering, regardless of its organisers or purpose, should descend into chaos or disrupt people’s livelihoods.

The clashes involved attacks on vehicles, road blockades and assaults on journalists. Some journalists also reported having their equipment stolen during the unrest.

Police said four people died, including a police officer attached to the Nyando command and a Ugandan woman who was struck by a speeding vehicle. Ten other police officers and 24 civilians were injured. The violence also caused property damage and financial losses for businesses.

ODM expressed condolences to the families of those who died and sympathised with those injured. The party also said it would support victims whose identities were still being established. It reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful political competition and said leadership should be won through persuasion and the ballot rather than violence.

The violence has also intensified political tensions. Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma called for the arrest of Siaya Governor James Orengo, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Suba South MP Caroli Omondi, alleging that they were involved in planning and financing the unrest.

Kaluma claimed that the Linda Mwananchi caucus received Ksh100 million, which he alleged was delivered to Orengo two days before the rally. He called for an investigation into the alleged financing, saying it pointed to wider political involvement in the violence.

Babu Owino, however, accused rival groups of organising attacks against Linda Mwananchi supporters. He also questioned why President William Ruto’s recent visit to Migori took place without similar incidents.

Owino warned against attempts to deepen ethnic divisions, particularly between Luos and Kikuyus. He said Kenya’s politics remained affected by broken promises and divisive political rhetoric.

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has summoned Kaluma to appear on 19 August over remarks he allegedly made during a political gathering in Homa Bay. The commission warned that he could be arrested if he failed to comply with the summons.

The violence comes as political mobilisation increases ahead of the 2027 General Election. ODM has called for impartial investigations and accountability as authorities continue to examine the events surrounding the rally.

The party said preserving Kenya’s democratic space requires political leaders and their supporters to resolve differences through dialogue and peaceful competition rather than violence.