Man in handcuffs /STAR ILLUSTRATIONA man wanted in connection with an assault case was arrested in Homa Bay Town on Thursday night as police executed a warrant of arrest, according to police.
The suspect was arrested at Homa Bay Bus Stage at about 9.55pm. Police said the warrant was issued by the Homa Bay Law Courts on August 14, 2026.
Seven other men who were accompanying him were also arrested on allegations of obstructing officers during the operation.
Police said officers from Homa Bay Police Station and detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), under the command of County Police Commander Lawrence Koilem, conducted the operation.
According to police, the seven men allegedly obstructed officers as they attempted to execute the warrant, leading to their arrest.
Witnesses said tensions escalated after the man was detained, prompting the deployment of additional officers to the scene.
Homa Bay Town MP Millie Odhiambo condemned the events surrounding the arrest in a social media post.
“Morning. What is going on in Homabay is sad. It was planted. It took root. It germinated. It is producing fruit. Sad by a lot. Lit by a lot,” she said.
The suspect is wanted in connection with a charge of assault causing actual bodily harm under Section 251 of the Penal Code.
Police had previously said he was among those being investigated in connection with unrest in Homa Bay during a visit by the Linda Mwananchi team.
The unrest reportedly left at least 10 people dead, including a police officer, while scores of others sustained injuries described as panga-related and were taken to hospital for treatment.
Police had directed the suspect to report to the DCI offices at the Homa Bay County headquarters to assist with investigations into the unrest. According to previous police statements, he had not complied with the directive.
He has also been linked in reports to the Hammer Boys, a group described as being involved in political mobilisation in the area.
Police have previously linked him to investigations into robbery and assault cases in the area.
All eight suspects are in police custody pending arraignment, according to police.
