PHOTOS: Aftermath of destruction after goons target Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay

Throughout history, religious buildings have often served as sanctuaries in times of conflict, offering civilians a place of refuge when violence erupts around them. That is what some people hoped to find when they were caught in a confrontation between members of Linda Mwananchi and a group of armed youths who were waiting to attack Governor James Orengo and his team.

Fearing for their lives, they ran towards the Seventh Day Adventist Church (SDA) Lake Victoria Field headquarters along the Homa Bay-Rongo road. Just a few metres away, a fierce confrontation was unfolding between Mr Orengo's team and supporters of the rival group.

One of those caught in the chaos tried to drive towards the offices housed at the SDA compound. Evangelist Dan Okumu said a security guard at the compound opened the gate to allow people fleeing the violence to seek refuge.

"It is known that churches are places where people seek refuge. That is what we are trying to do," he said.

But the gesture of refuge soon became another flashpoint. Youths who witnessed people seeking shelter turned on those attempting to enter the compound. A driver was confronted at the gate and attacked.

Mr Okumu said he witnessed occupants of the vehicle being slashed with machetes.

"One woman who was seated in the passenger seat managed to run to safety. The driver of the vehicle, on the other hand, was unable to run," he said.

By the time Mr Okumu left the scene, fearing for his own safety, the driver was still pinned to the ground and being attacked.

The vehicle he had been driving was set on fire at the gate. Later, the youths turned their anger on the SDA offices, hurling stones at the building and damaging windows and vehicles.

SDA Lake Victoria Field President Samson Okwach said the office was hosting evangelists who had been assigned to preach at different camp meetings. He said most of them had reading material meant to be shared with members of the church. Pastor Okwach said some of the material was collected and used to start the fire that destroyed the vehicle at the gate.

"This should not have happened...it is a church where peace should prevail," he said.

The cleric said some people working in the offices were injured. He called for political tolerance, saying the violence witnessed on Sunday had exposed just how volatile the 2027 political season could become.

Deaths, destruction

At least two people died during the Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay on Sunday. Among the dead was a police officer who was struck by a rock while driving on Homa Bay-Kendu Bay road.

The officer was taking his boss and other junior officers back to Muhoroni Sub-County, where they are based.

Homa Bay County Police Commander Lawrence Koilem said the officer had ferried other officers to provide backup for colleagues in areas where Siaya Governor James Orengo and other members of Linda Mwananchi were holding a rally.

On Monday morning, motorists and bodabodas carefully weaved through Homa Bay-Mbita Road, which was lined with shattered glass and rocks. 

More destruction was reported in Homa Bay Town, where up to six vehicles were set on fire, including one belonging to Media Max Network Limited. The vehicles were torched at different points along the Homa Bay-Rongo road.

Their drivers became trapped after they were unable to move past the barrier separating the two sections of the dual carriageway. After realising they could not proceed, the drivers fled before enraged youths set the vehicles on fire one after another.

People who spoke to the Nation said such incidents could drive away investors and deepen economic hardship in the town.

Mr Justo Odero said many people in Homa Bay Town depended on daily earnings to put food on the table, and that disruptions to business affected families who relied on that income.

"This town is small and most people depend on hand-to-mouth (earnings). A single day of paralysis affects thousands of people," he said.

Mr George Ongoro faulted members of Linda Mwananchi for arriving in Homa Bay Town at night. He argued that the vehicles might not have been destroyed had the team arrived earlier in the day.

"This is a wake-up call to authorities to check on the time politicians are out campaigning. Others may abuse freedom of movement to cause harm to innocent Kenyans," Mr Ongoro said.

Bonface Oneya called for a truce between members of Linda Mwananchi and those supporting President William Ruto. He urged Ida Odinga to mediate between the two sides.

"Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga could solve such kinds of differences within a short time. Let Ida Odinga help us," he said.

Homa Bay County Teaching and Referral Hospital came under attack at night. 

According to hospital CEO Vincent Oduor, the attackers were targeting those who had been injured and were receiving treatment at the facility. 

Records showed that 46 people were attended to by health workers. They were later referred to private health facilities amid the ongoing nurses' strike.

Among them was a police officer who had been hit on the head. Four people had gunshot wounds to their lower limbs.

The hospital's management was forced to seek help from police. 

Seven patients were in critical condition, with one referred to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kisumu.

"One woman died. She was brought to hospital after she was hit by a speeding vehicle. She passed on after she was seen by a doctor," he said.

Most of those injured had cut wounds caused by machetes and knives.

"The patients were aged between 21 and 50 years," Dr Oduor said.

Journalists attacked

Earlier, goons attacked AFP journalists Fred Ooko and Brian Ongoro and stole their gadgets as they went about their work. The group that attacked them was armed with crude weapons.

Hotel stormed, guests flushed out

Earlier on Saturday, armed youths stormed a beach hotel in Homa Bay Town, forcing guests to flee as they allegedly searched for members and supporters of the Linda Mwananchi Movement. 

The management of the hotel reported the incident to police, saying the youths, armed with crude weapons, raided the establishment and flushed out guests.

The incident, which left workers and clients traumatised, came moments after a politician believed to be the Homa Bay Town constituency Member of Parliament Opondo Kaluma was captured on video urging a group of suspected supporters to ransack hotels and flush out members of Linda Mwananchi.

The proprietor of Homa Bay Tourist Hotel, Otieno Odongo, reported that the armed youths stormed the premises and began inspecting rooms. He said up to 50 people were involved in the Saturday evening attack.

Days before the rally, politicians in the region had called on their supporters to block Siaya Governor James Orengo, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino from entering the county.

For instance, Kwabwai MCA Richard Ogindo was captured on video urging his supporters to target people wearing Linda Mwananchi colours.

Additional report by Domnic Ombok 

Follow our WhatsApp channel for breaking news updates and more stories like this.