A vehicle torched in the middle of the road in Homa Bay town during the Linda Mwananchi rally. /ROBERT OMOLLO
Property of unknown value was destroyed during a Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay on Sunday.
The damage became visible after the team had left.
Up to six vehicles were set on fire after their drivers lost control and were unable to move. Armed youths then set the vehicles on fire.
The youths also attacked a church, with the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church Lake Victoria Field headquarters at Lala in Homa Bay Town Constituency, along the Rongo-Mbita Road, coming under attack.
A vehicle was set on fire at the gate as its driver tried to flee to safety.
SDA Lake Victoria Field President Samson Okwach said the office was hosting some clerics who were mistaken for Linda Mwananchi officials.
Pastor Okwach said most of the materials the clerics had were collected and used to start a fire that destroyed the car at the gate.
“This should not have happened because it is a church where peace should prevail. Hooliganism should not be given time to thrive,” Okwach said.
People who spoke to journalists said the incident could drive away investors.
Residents George Ongoro and Boniface Oneya faulted members of Linda Mwananchi for arriving in Homa Bay town at night.
Ongoro argued that the cars might not have been destroyed had the team arrived earlier in the day.
“Politics and campaigns should not be done at night. Some people take advantage of darkness to abuse freedom of movement and cause harm to innocent people,” Ongoro said.
Oneya called for a truce between members of Linda Mwananchi and supporters of President William Ruto.
He called on Ida Odinga to mediate between the two groups.
“Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga could solve such differences within a short time. Let Ida Odinga step in and help the situation,” Oneya said.
A spot check at Homa Bay County Teaching and Referral Hospital showed that 46 people sustained injuries and were rushed to the hospital during the rally in Homa Bay town.
They were later referred to private health facilities due to the ongoing nurses’ strike.
The injured included a police officer who was hit on the head.
Four people sustained gunshot wounds to their lower limbs.
Hospital Chief Executive Officer Vincent Oduor said seven people were in critical condition, with one referred to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kisumu.
Oduor said one woman died after she was run over by a vehicle while crossing the road.
“She was brought to the hospital after she was hit by a speeding vehicle. She passed on after she was seen by a doctor,” he said.
