A police officer shows some of the seized pangas at Homa Bay police station on August 16, 2026./ROBERT OMOLLO
Police in Homa Bay have arrested two youths and seized five pangas allegedly intended to be used to perpetrate violence during the Linda Mwananchi rally.
The youths were arrested near Wiobiero High School along the Sori-Rodi Kopany road in Homa Bay Town Constituency. The youths reportedly came from Ndhiwa and were heading to Homa Bay town.
Earlier, the Linda Mwananchi brigade, led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Senator Godfrey Osotsi and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, faced difficulties gaining entry into the county.
They were hosted by Suba South MP Caroli Omondi.
Roads were barricaded by youths reportedly allied to ODM in an attempt to deny the leaders access to the area.
Violence erupted in Nyandiwa, Suba South Constituency, after youths reportedly tried to block the leaders from holding a rally in the trading centre.
Major town centres, including Sindo, Mbita and Ndhiwa, were also blocked.
The youths shouted “Tutam” in support of the re-election of President William Ruto.
Homa Bay County Police Commander Lawrence Koilem said the suspects would be arraigned in court after interrogation.
“The weapons are in our custody and will be used as exhibits in court. We call on youths not to be misused to cause violence,” Koilem said.
