Homa Bay Rally Violence Probe: Police Arrest Kassim Sebo and Seven Others

Police in Homa Bay have arrested Kassim Abdi Sebo on an assault warrant, months after violence disrupted the Linda Mwananchi political tour in the county. Seven other men were also arrested after allegedly trying to obstruct officers during the operation.

Sebo was arrested at Homa Bay Bus Stage on Thursday night, October 8, as officers from Homa Bay Police Station and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) moved to execute a warrant issued by the Homa Bay Law Courts on August 14, according to the police report cited in accounts of the arrest.

The warrant relates to an alleged offence of assault causing actual bodily harm under Section 251 of Kenya’s Penal Code. The allegation is yet to be determined in court.

Police described Sebo as a “chief goon”, but that is the authorities’ characterisation, not a finding of guilt. His arrest comes after investigators had sought his cooperation in a probe into violence surrounding the Linda Mwananchi tour on August 16.

Arrest follows earlier police summons

In August, the National Police Service directed Sebo to report to DCI offices in Homa Bay for questioning over the unrest. The police announcement formed part of a wider investigation into clashes and disruptions during the political tour.

The rally, attended by leaders including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, was affected by blocked roads, stone-throwing and confrontations in parts of the county. Police also reported injuries and arrests during the disturbances.

The National Police Service said at the time that 37 suspected gang members had been arrested in connection with the violence. Separately, police said 12 suspects in Homa Bay had appeared in court and been released on various bond terms. Those earlier arrests should not be confused with the latest case against Sebo.

Seven others arrested during operation

Police also arrested seven men accused of obstructing officers as they carried out Sebo’s arrest. They were identified as Achiando Victor Odhiambo, 26; Isaac Masika Muliro, 30; Oyege Moses Geoffrey, 27; Geoffrey Njore, 25; Odhiambo Wesley Arnold, 26; Joseph Kobila, 28; and Alfred Nyagiro Aliwa, 26.

The eight suspects were being held in custody pending their appearance in court, according to the report. The specific charges, if any, to be brought against the seven men accused of obstruction were not detailed in the information available.

The latest arrests bring renewed attention to the investigation into the Homa Bay unrest and the security of political gatherings. However, arrest alone does not establish criminal responsibility. The allegations against each suspect must be tested through the legal process, and the suspects are entitled to a fair hearing.

What happens next: The suspects are expected to be presented in court, where the allegations and any formal charges can be addressed.

About the Author

Maureen Onyango is a journalist passionate about storytelling, life coaching and spiritual lessons. She studied at the Kenya Institute of Management and enjoys telling stories that inform, inspire and empower communities.