An empowerment event targeting members of the informal Jua Kali sector in Homa Bay, Kenya, was disrupted by a group of youths who stole equipment meant for local groups. The event, held at Raila Odinga Stadium, was organised by Homa Bay Woman Representative Joyce Atieno Bensuda and attended by Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya. Several items had been lined up for distribution, including sewing machines, plastic chairs, water tanks, jikos, and car wash machines.
The situation became chaotic as some youths took some of the items and attempted to leave the venue. Bensuda was heard calling on security officers to intervene and prevent the equipment from being taken away. "Police security, why don't you remove the boys disturbing us from the function?" Bensuda said. Oparanya also expressed concern over the disruption and asked security officers to intervene.
Oparanya urged the youths to organise themselves into recognised groups and follow the proper procedures when seeking support through government empowerment programmes. "You also have a right to benefit from these initiatives. Organise yourselves into groups and follow the proper procedures. We are all Kenyans and you have that right. But if you come individually and take things without following the process, you risk being arrested," Oparanya warned.
Bensuda accused a man she identified as Freddie of leading some of the youths who disrupted the event. She claimed the man was an employee of the Homa Bay County Government, although that allegation was not independently established. "He is a county employee. He has come with youths from Shauri Moyo, pretending to be part of the event before taking away my sewing machines. We are not leaving this place until Freddie returns those machines," Bensuda said.
The incident comes months after Bensuda accused popular Ohangla and Benga musician Atommy Sifa of stealing her bull and four sacks of charcoal from her home in July 2026. Sifa was arrested, spent a night in police cell, and arraigned in court over the allegations. He denied stealing the animal, saying he found it in his compound and had instructed a worker to secure it until its owner came looking for it.
The empowerment event was meant to support members of the informal Jua Kali sector in Homa Bay. The event was attended by several leaders, including Oparanya and Bensuda. The equipment stolen was meant for distribution to Jua Kali groups as part of the empowerment initiative.
The incident has raised concerns about the security and organisation of government empowerment programmes. The event was intended to support local groups, but the disruption and theft of equipment have raised questions about the effectiveness of such programmes.
Key points
- The youths stole equipment meant for local groups, including sewing machines and plastic chairs.
- The incident was condemned by Cooperatives CS Wycliffe Oparanya, who urged youths to organise themselves into recognised groups.
- The event was organised by Homa Bay Woman Representative Joyce Atieno Bensuda to support members of the informal Jua Kali sector.
