Linda Mwananchi leaders in Sindo, Homa Bay on August 16, 2026 /HANDOUT
Amnesty International Kenya has condemned reported violence, attacks on journalists, disruption of media broadcasts and destruction of property during political activities in Homa Bay.
The human rights organisation also raised concern over reported road blockades, intimidation and blamed it on failure of security agencies to take timely and effective action to protect citizens.
In a statement on Sunday, August 16, Amnesty said it was deeply alarmed by reports that groups of people allegedly targeted accommodation facilities suspected to be hosting Linda Mwananchi leaders or their supporters.
It said the incidents posed a serious threat to constitutional freedoms, including freedom of expression, media freedom, access to information, freedom of movement, peaceful assembly and political participation.
Amnesty International Kenya Executive Director George Morara said the State has a constitutional and legal obligation to protect all people and ensure they can exercise their rights without fear of violence or intimidation.
“Any failure by public authorities to prevent or respond effectively to foreseeable violence undermines public confidence in the rule of law and weakens democratic institutions,” Morara said.
The organisation called on the National Police Service and other relevant authorities to immediately restore security and prevent further violence in Homa Bay.
It urged authorities to guarantee the safety of journalists, human rights defenders, political actors, businesses and residents in the county.
Amnesty called for prompt, independent, impartial and transparent investigations into all reported incidents.
The investigations, it said, should cover alleged attacks on journalists, destruction of property, disruption of media broadcasts, intimidation and restrictions on freedom of movement.
“All those responsible, whether private individuals, political actors, or public officials, must be held accountable in accordance with the law,” Morara said.
The organisation also demanded an independent review of the conduct and response of security agencies to establish whether there were failures to prevent violence, protect affected persons or uphold constitutional rights.
Morara said accountability was necessary to restore public confidence and prevent similar incidents from recurring.
“The National Police Service must discharge its constitutional mandate professionally, impartially, and in full compliance with national and international human rights standards,” he said.
“Security agencies must facilitate, rather than obstruct, the enjoyment of fundamental rights and freedoms.”
Amnesty also called on the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), the National Police Service and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to investigate allegations of incitement to violence, hate or attacks against political opponents, journalists and members of the public.
Where appropriate, the organisation said those found culpable should be prosecuted.
The statement comes amid heightened political activity in Homa Bay, where the Linda Mwananchi Movement held rallies on Sunday.
Police officers were deployed to escort the movement's convoy as it moved through the county following reports of attempts to disrupt the planned gatherings.
Earlier in the day, large stones were reportedly placed across sections of roads leading to Homa Bay town, disrupting access ahead of the political events.
Tension was also reported in Ndhiwa, where police used tear gas to disperse groups of youths who reportedly confronted the Linda Mwananchi convoy and pelted vehicles with stones.
Two journalists were reportedly attacked, assaulted and injured by a group of men armed with crude weapons while covering the situation in Homa Bay town.
During the attack, the journalists’ press cards, driving licences, cameras and other personal belongings were taken.
The journalists were reportedly dragged along the road and beaten with clubs before a boda boda rider intervened and helped them.
The two journalists reported the incident at Homa Bay Police Station.
Amnesty said the developments should serve as a warning ahead of the 2027 General Election, urging authorities to protect political participation and media freedom.
“As Kenya approaches the 2027 General Elections, the authorities must demonstrate an unwavering commitment to protecting constitutional freedoms, safeguarding media independence, and ensuring equal protection under the law,” Morara said.
“Impunity for violence and political intimidation has no place in a democratic society.”
Morara urged authorities to ensure accountability for all reported violations and uphold the rights and freedoms of every person in Homa Bay and across Kenya.
