Police in Homa Bay have arrested 40 suspected goons in a crackdown on violence and looting that erupted in Homa Bay Town on Thursday night. The arrests were made between Friday and Sunday as part of an ongoing operation to restore order in the town. The suspects are accused of staging a protest, looting businesses, and damaging property after Kassim Abdi and seven others were arrested.
The protests were sparked by the arrest of Abdi, who is linked to violence witnessed in Homa Bay during a political rally hosted by the Linda Mwananchi faction on August 16, 2026. During the Thursday night protests, youths broke into several business premises in Homa Bay Town, looting goods worth millions of shillings. The police and Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers have been conducting day and night raids in various estates in Homa Bay Town to apprehend the suspects.
Homa Bay County police commander Lawrence Koilem said the 40 suspects are among a group of goons who staged the protest and turned it into looting and property damage. Koilem stated that the operation will continue for the next week and will be extended to other towns within the county. The suspects are being held at Homa Bay County police station and are expected to be arraigned in court on Monday.
The police have recovered several stolen items and crude weapons from the suspects. The arrested individuals are part of a group of youths accused of looting and damaging property during the protests. The police operation aims to bring the perpetrators to justice and restore peace in Homa Bay Town.
Abdi's arrest is linked to the violence witnessed in Homa Bay during the Linda Mwananchi faction's political rally on August 16, 2026. The rally turned violent, and Abdi is accused of being involved in the chaos. The police are working to establish the extent of his involvement and that of his associates.
The ongoing police operation in Homa Bay Town has resulted in the recovery of stolen goods and the arrest of suspects linked to the violence. The police are committed to restoring order in the town and bringing those responsible for the chaos to justice. The operation is expected to continue for the next week, with plans to extend it to other towns in the county.
The Homa Bay County police commander has assured residents that the police will continue to work to maintain peace and security in the town. The arrested suspects will face charges related to looting, property damage, and participating in an unlawful assembly. The police are urging residents to cooperate with them to ensure that those responsible for the violence are brought to justice.
Key points
- 40 suspected goons arrested in Homa Bay Town
- Arrests linked to protests over Kassim Abdi's arrest
- Operation to continue for the next week, extending to other towns in the county
