The National Police Service (NPS) has arrested 37 suspected gang members following violent incidents during the Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay County on Sunday.
The suspects were allegedly found in possession of crude weapons, including machetes, ropes, metal rods, knives, rungus, batons and torches.
In a statement on Monday, the NPS said the arrests were part of intensified operations following incidents recorded during the rally on August 16.
“Security deployment, proportionate to the nature and anticipated requirements of the event, was coordinated by the Nyanza Regional Police Commander. Regrettably, several criminal incidents were recorded, including an attack on journalists performing their lawful duties, damage to five police vehicles deployed for public order maintenance, and damage to several civilian motor vehicles,” NPS said.
The Service said several criminal incidents were reported, including attacks on journalists, damage to five police vehicles deployed for public order management and destruction of several civilian vehicles.
One police vehicle also lost control during the incidents, resulting in the death of its driver and injuries to five other officers.
The NPS said three other police officers were injured on August 15 during the arrest of 15 suspected gang members along the Kisumu-Kericho Road.
This brings the total number of injured officers in the Kisumu and Homa Bay incidents to eight, in addition to the officer who died in Homa Bay.
The Service expressed condolences to the family and friends of the deceased officer and wished the injured officers a speedy recovery.
Police said they have one more suspect who they said remains at large.
The NPS has directed him to surrender to the nearest police station to assist with ongoing investigations.
“Operations to apprehend him and all other individuals involved in the violence are continuing,” the Service said.
Police said they were also pursuing other people who may have participated in the violence, including organisers, facilitators and sponsors of criminal activities.
The NPS warned individuals and groups against using political activities to perpetrate violence, intimidate members of the public, attack police officers or destroy property.
It said anyone involved in recruiting, financing, mobilising, arming or facilitating criminal groups would be pursued and brought to justice.
“No individual, regardless of position, influence or political affiliation, should mistake the Service's commitment to facilitating peaceful assembly for weakness or an abdication of its duty to enforce the law,” the NPS said.
The Service said it would use lawful means to identify and apprehend those responsible for the violence.
The NPS also reminded political actors organising public rallies that gatherings must be held between 6am and 6pm and that organisers must notify the police to facilitate security planning and deployment.
It urged political actors across the divide to conduct themselves with restraint and respect for the law.
The Service said it remained committed to maintaining law and order, protecting life and property and safeguarding citizens' constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
