Editor's Review

The suspects were charged in court but were granted bond pending the mention of their cases.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) arraigned six suspects in court following events that happened before and during the Linda Mwananchi campaign in Homa Bay County.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, August 19, the DPP confirmed that the six were charged with preparation to commit a felony contrary to Section 308(1) of the Penal Code and being armed in public contrary to Section 88 of the Penal Code.

Nicholas Ochieng Bonyo, Issa Juma Abiero and Brian Ooko Ohanga appeared before Homa Bay Resident Magistrate Hon Lavender Mukhongo after they were found in possession of two pangas and a kitchen knife.

The Court heard that the trio had an intent to assault, causing actual bodily harm. They pleaded not guilty.

Hillary Odhiambo Otieno and James Oloo Otieno also appeared before the same court and denied similar charges. They were granted a Ksh250,000 bond with one surety ahead of the mentioning of the case.

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A file photo of a gavel in court.

"The court heard that the duo had on 16th August, 2026, along Rodi-Ndhiwa highway in Homa Bay Sub-County within Homa Bay County jointly found armed with five pangas on a motor vehicle with the intent to assault causing actual bodily harm," the statement continued. 

At the Oyugi Law Courts, the DPP arraigned Jared Onyango alias Jaro, who alongside other accomplices still at large, was found in possession of a Maasai sword

Onyango was charged with intent to commit a felony. He pleaded not guilty and was granted a bond of Ksh50,000 and a cash bail of Ksh10,000.

Prosecution Counsel Lydia Kipyego and Brian Gichohi Maina presented the DPP's case in court.

Meanwhile, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has summoned Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma to appear before the commission on August 19, 2026.

Kaluma drew public scrutiny after a video of him warning locals against working with the Opposition and threatening businesses in Homa Bay Town whose owners may be perceived to be supporting or accommodating opposition figures.

The commission has warned the MP that failure to appear before the body would lead to his arrest.