"We strongly condemn": ODM shares names of 34 people injured in Homa Bay attack
This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.
- ODM released names of 24 civilians and 10 security officers injured during the violent disruption of a Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay
- Police driver constable Jim Richardson Okundi was killed during the incident, with several civilians sustaining gunshot wounds
- The party condemned the attack, demanded prompt investigations into the incident, and warned against invoking the party's in relation to the incident
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has publicly condemned the violence that erupted during a Linda Mwananchi political caucus rally in Homa Bay on Sunday, August 16, 2026, releasing a detailed list of 24 civilians and 10 security personnel who sustained injuries in the incident.
ODM secretary general Catherine Omanyo, MP, issued a statement on Tuesday, August 18, confirming that police driver constable Jim Richardson Okundi was killed during the chaos.
"We strongly condemn the acts of hooliganism, thuggery and violence witnessed during the incident, which tragically resulted in loss of lives, injuries and destruction of property, Omanyo said.
Who was injured in Homa Bay chaos?
Several civilians sustained gunshot wounds, including George Opinde, Tony Onyango, John Philip, Kevin Ochieng, David Ochieng, and Fredrick Ocholla.
Others sustained fractures and cut wounds. Ten security officers, including Fredrick Ombaka, Police Driver Corporal Leonard Wanjala, Benard Odundo, and Geoffrey Kebenei, were also listed as injured.
The party leadership extended deepest sympathies to the persons injured and their families 'for what they encountered either in the line of duty or while peacefully going about their daily lives.'
ODM's condemnation of the violence
"No political gathering, whatever its organisers, objectives, or message, should become an occasion for violence, intimidation, or the disruption of the rights and livelihoods of citizens," Omanyo's statement read.
The party called on security and investigative agencies to carry out a prompt and impartial investigation into the circumstances of the violence, stressing that those found responsible must be held accountable regardless of their political affiliation.
ODM also warned against collective punishment of innocent citizens and urged all political formations to exercise restraint as political activity intensifies across the country.
"ODM will never support, encourage, or tolerate violence as a means of acquiring, exercising, or retaining political leadership," the statement said, adding that no individual or group should invoke the party's name to justify unlawful acts.
The statement further emphasised that political differences must be settled through democratic engagement, persuasion, and ultimately the ballot.
NCIC summons MP Peter Kaluma
Meanwhile, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) summoned Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma over inflammatory remarks he allegedly made prior to the rally.
Kaluma was reported to have told youths in attendance that he had communicated with their "bosses" and fuelled their vehicles and warned that anyone chanting "one-term" would be dealt with.
Following the violence, Kaluma allegedly shifted blame onto the Linda Mwananchi team, accusing their supporters of instigating the attack and claiming that their convoy fatally ran over a widow on the night of the rally.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.