Tension in Homa Bay After Detectives Arrest Kassim Abdi Sebo

Protests have erupted in Homa Bay after detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) arrested Kassim Abdi Sebo. 

Sebo was apprehended on Thursday, October 8 night, at Homa Bay Bus Stage following a warrant of arrest issued by the Homa Bay Law Courts. 

The suspect is accused of being behind the chaos witnessed during the Linda Mwananchi movement rally in Homa Bay in August.  

The DCI detectives also arrested seven other suspects who were allegedly obstructing them during the operation. 

They include Achiando Victor Odhiambo, Isaac Masika Muliro, Oyege Moses Geoffrey, Geoffrey Njore, Odhiambo Wesley Arnold, Joseph Kobila, and Alfred Nyagiro Aliwa.

Following the police operation, unrest erupted in Homa Bay town, with angry youths lighting bonfires and barricading roads.

The irate protestors demanded the immediate release of Sebo and the other suspects who were nabbed by the DCI officers. 

The tension persisted into Friday morning, forcing matatu operators to suspend services in the town and businesses to shut down.

Suba North Member of Parliament Millie Odhiambo described the situation in Homa Bay town as sad. 

“What is going on in Homabay is sad. It was planted. It took root. It germinated. It is producing fruit. Sad by a lot. Lit by a lot,” Odhiambo wrote. 

On Sunday, August 16, violence was witnessed during the Linda Mwananchi Rally in Homa Bay County. 

The National Police Service (NPS) in a statement five police vehicles were damaged, journalists were attacked, and a police officer was killed during the incident. 

The service noted that 37 suspects were apprehended in connection with the violence. 

"A total of 37 suspected gang members have been arrested and were found in possession of various crude weapons, including machetes, ropes, metal rods, knives, rungus, batons, and torches. The suspects will be processed accordingly and must face the full force of the law," NPS said. 

However, the Linda Mwananchi leadership disputed the police account of the Homa Bay violence, alleging that its leadership and supporters were subjected to a coordinated and premeditated campaign of violence and intimidation during their tour of the county.

The group claimed that the violence was not a spontaneous breakdown of law and order but rather a deliberate operation allegedly carried out with the knowledge and participation of some police officers.

"In several instances, police officers who are constitutionally and legally obligated to protect us appeared to be operating alongside goons attacking our convoy. Rather than standing between citizens and those perpetrating violence, some officers appeared to facilitate the disruption and intimidation of our supporters," the movement said.