Former Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga speaks to journalists in Oyugis town, Kasipul constituency on August 18, 2026/Robert Omollo
Former Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga, speaks to the press in Oyugis town, Kasipul constituency on August 18, 2026/Robert Omollo
Former Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga wants the government to arrest politicians alleged to have incited goons to cause violence during a Linda Mwananchi rally in the county.
Magwanga called on Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to order police investigations into the incident, which left at least two people dead, more than 40 injured and property worth millions of shillings destroyed.
At least six vehicles were reportedly burnt beyond repair during the violence.
Magwanga said politicians alleged to have incited youths to cause the violence should not be spared.
He singled out a senior politician in the region whom he said should be among the leaders investigated over the incident.
The senior politician was reportedly captured in a video addressing a group of youths and urging them to reject people purportedly supporting the One-Term slogan.
He was also heard telling his supporters to inspect hotels to ensure Linda Mwananchi leaders did not get an opportunity to book accommodation in his constituency.
“Youths raided and looted Homa Bay Tourist Hotel; it is incitement that led to the violence that we witnessed in Homa Bay town on Sunday when Linda Mwananchi's team arrived for their rally,” Magwanga said.
Speaking to journalists in Oyugis town on Tuesday, Magwanga said the only remedy was to investigate and arrest the leaders found to have contributed to the alleged incitement.
He said sparing leaders found culpable could lead to anarchy in the county.
The former deputy governor urged police to investigate the incident and take action against all leaders and their agents found culpable.
Magwanga warned that political violence could have wider consequences, arguing that such incidents could take Kenya back to the 2008 post-election violence, when hundreds of Kenyans lost their lives.
“These people are likely to take us back to the 2008 post-election violence. Let the government stand firm against political mayhem perpetrators,” he said.
Magwanga urged residents to remain united and reject leaders who promote chaos in the county.
He said the loss of lives, injuries and destruction of property witnessed in Homa Bay should not be allowed to recur.
“There are families who are currently counting huge losses due to the violence. Homa Bay residents should unite against leaders and people who cause chaos,” he added.
The former deputy governor also urged leaders in the county to respect press freedom and condemned the reported attack on journalists covering the event.
“The work of the media is to inform the public about what is going on. It is wrong to attack journalists who are the messengers providing coverage, and the police who were manning security,” he added.
