A Homa Bay gang leader, who was arrested last week, is set to face robbery with violence charges in Kisii Court. The suspect, whose name has not been released, has been linked to a series of robberies and assault cases in the area. He was wanted for assault causing actual bodily harm, contrary to Section 251 of the Penal Code.
The gang leader and eight others were arrested in an operation on Thursday night, which sparked chaos in the town as anti-riot police moved to calm the situation. The arrests were made while officers were executing a warrant in connection with Criminal Case No. E300/2026, referenced under CR 617/142/2026, issued by the Chief Magistrate's Court in Homa Bay.
A court in Homa Bay on Friday ordered that the gang leader be moved to Kisii Law Courts for plea taking on October 12 for security reasons. The eight suspects arrested during the execution of an arrest warrant against the gang leader were remanded for seven days pending investigations. They were presented before the Homa Bay Law Courts, where the court ordered that they be detained at Oyugis police station for seven days to allow investigators to continue with their inquiries.
The investigations are ongoing, with the eight suspects remaining in custody for the seven-day period authorised by the court. A team of officers from Homa Bay police station and detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), acting under the command of County Police Commander Lawrence Koilem, carried out the operation.
The gang leader has also been linked to deadly chaos in Homa Bay when a team visited the area. He is alleged to have close links to senior political and government officials from the area. The allegations come as investigators probe the events that left at least ten people dead, including a police officer, while scores of others sustained panga-related injuries.
Police had ordered the gang leader to surrender to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) at the Homa Bay County headquarters to assist with investigations into the unrest. He defied the orders, leading to his arrest. The suspect is alleged to be the leader of the Hammer Boys, a group that has featured in claims surrounding political mobilisation and violence in the Homa Bay area.
At least 19 more suspects were arrested at the weekend in ongoing operations in the town. The latest development has brought renewed attention to the identity and alleged activities of the group amid heightened scrutiny over organised political violence in Homa Bay. The allegations have gained prominence following clashes, which left people dead and scores injured, while vehicles were damaged and journalists attacked during their coverage of the rally.
Key points
- The gang leader and eight others were arrested in an operation on Thursday night.
- The suspect is set to face robbery with violence charges in Kisii Court.
- The allegations have gained prominence following clashes, which left people dead and scores injured.
