Siaya Governor James Orengo and political commentator Brian Weke receive two coastal leaders who were injured during Sunday's attack on the Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay. /JAMES ORENGO/XThe gravity of the violence that marred the Linda Mwananchi convoy’s tour of Homa Bay county on Sunday is emerging as victims recount the ordeal.
Siaya Governor James Orengo on Wednesday met three coastal leaders who were injured in the attacks after they arrived in Nairobi from Mombasa.
Images shared on X showed the extent of injuries sustained by the victims, including one woman who had a deep scar on her head from an alleged machete attack.
“Last night, three courageous coastal leaders; Batuli Mohamed Swaleh, Najma, and Leila arrived in Nairobi bearing the horrific scars of a brutal panga attack in Homa Bay Town,” Orengo said.
The three were among members of the Linda Mwananchi convoy who came under a barrage of stones and machete attacks as the group made its entry into Homa Bay town, an ODM stronghold in Nyanza.
A victim of the Homa Bay attack on the Linda Mwananchi convoy shows the scar she sustained after being cut by a machete on the head. /JAMES ORENGO/XThe attack, allegedly carried out by groups of youths, left at least four people dead, two of whom succumbed later to their injuries while receiving treatment in hospital.
The convoy was led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Orengo and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.
The group encountered roadblocks made of stones and logs on roads leading to Homa Bay town from Sindo, forcing the convoy to use unpaved roads to access the town.
Along the alternative routes, groups of youths attacked the convoy, hurling stones at vehicles and using machetes against people in vehicles that became stuck.
Six vehicles were torched during the violence, while other property was also destroyed.
The National Police Service said 27 suspects arrested in Kisumu and Homa Bay in connection with the chaos had been arraigned in court.
Orengo condemned the attacks, particularly the targeting of women who had taken part in the political activities.
“Targeting women for exercising their democratic rights is an absolute disgrace. We pray for their swift recovery. We stand in fierce, unwavering solidarity with them as they heal and fight for their political dreams. They will not be silenced,” Orengo said.
NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said police would pursue all criminal elements involved in the violence and ensure they face the law.
He said one suspect in Homa Bay and another in Kisumu linked to the chaos had been ordered to report to the county Directorate of Criminal Investigations headquarters and regional DCI headquarters respectively.
