The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has pledged to provide legal assistance and pursue accountability following violent incidents at the Linda Mwanachi rally in Homa Bay County on August 16, 2026.
LSK President Charles Kanjama condemned the attacks on journalists, destruction of property, and disruptions to media coverage during the rally, describing these acts as serious violations of fundamental rights including freedom of expression, political rights, and personal security.
"We cannot normalise hate speech and political violence ahead of the 2027 General Election," Kanjama said, emphasizing the threat these actions pose to electoral integrity and public safety. He called on the National Police Service and other authorities to ensure the security of all citizens and urged the Director of Criminal Investigations to conduct independent investigations and bring perpetrators to justice.
The violence left at least four people dead, including an unidentified man found with stab wounds near Oyugis and Police Constable Jimrichardson Onkundi, who died following injuries sustained during the unrest. Several others were injured, some critically, and multiple vehicles and properties were damaged or torched.
The Linda Mwanachi movement accused security agents and alleged state operatives of orchestrating the attacks, with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna describing the violence as a deliberate ambush rather than spontaneous chaos.
Among the affected were K24 journalists Francis Mwangi and Evans Okeyo, with Mwangi sustaining serious injuries. The violence also extended to the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s Lake Victoria Field headquarters in Lala village, causing further damage.
LSK reaffirmed its role as a guardian of constitutionalism, rule of law, and human rights, promising to support victims and ensure accountability through legal channels.
