The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has denounced the violence that disrupted a Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay on August 16, 2026. The party released the names of 24 civilians and 10 security officers who were injured during the incident.
Among those affected was police driver Constable Jim Richardson Okundi, who died amid the chaos. Several civilians suffered gunshot wounds, while others sustained fractures and cuts.
Details of Injuries
- Civilians with gunshot wounds include George Opinde, Tony Onyango, John Philip, Kevin Ochieng, David Ochieng, and Fredrick Ocholla.
- Ten security personnel also reported injuries, including Fredrick Ombaka, Police Driver Corporal Leonard Wanjala, Benard Odundo, and Geoffrey Kebenei.
ODM Secretary General Catherine Omanyo expressed sympathy to the victims and their families, emphasizing that no political event should result in violence or disruption of citizens’ rights.
Calls for Accountability and Restraint
The party urged security agencies to conduct a swift and impartial investigation, holding those responsible accountable regardless of political ties. ODM warned against collective punishment of innocent individuals and called on all political actors to exercise restraint as the political climate intensifies.
"ODM will never support, encourage, or tolerate violence as a means of acquiring, exercising, or retaining political leadership," the statement read, stressing that political differences must be resolved democratically.
NCIC Summons MP Peter Kaluma
Following the violence, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) summoned Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma over alleged inflammatory remarks made before the rally. Kaluma reportedly warned youths against chanting "one-term" slogans and later blamed the Linda Mwananchi team for inciting the attack.
