The National Police Service (NPS) has intensified operations to arrest individuals linked to violence and destruction of property during the Linda Mwananchi Rally held in Homa Bay County on Sunday, August 16, 2026.
According to the NPS, several incidents were reported, including attacks on journalists, damage to five police vehicles and several civilian vehicles. One police vehicle also lost control, killing its driver and injuring five officers.
The Service said three other officers were injured on August 15 during the arrest of 15 suspected gang members along the Kisumu-Kericho Road, bringing the total number of injured officers in the two incidents to eight.
Police have arrested 37 suspected gang members, who were allegedly found with crude weapons including machetes, knives, metal rods, ropes, rungus, batons and torches.
The NPS is also pursuing Oliver Jaoko, alias “Olivetti,” who remains at large, and has directed him to surrender to the nearest police station. Investigations are ongoing to identify organisers, facilitators and sponsors of the violence.
The Service has reminded political actors that public rallies must be held between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., with requisite notification given to police to facilitate security planning.
