Scores arrested during day two of demos in Homa Bay town

Homa Bay

Thursday, July 20, 2023

KNA by Davis Langat

At least twenty six protesters have been arrested in Homa Bay township as demos entered the second day.

Amongst those arrested was Kagan Ward Member of County Assembly Hamilton Odhiambo who was accused of inciting the youths.

The County Police Commander Samson Kinne said Odhiambo was fueling violent protests through incitement and allegedly distributing money to the protesters.

“We will continue arresting people who engage in the outlawed protest. Those who destroy public properties will not be allowed room to cause chaos,” Kinne said.

Speaking to the press, Kinne said his officers are on the ground to protect property and lives of people during demonstrations.

In Kendu Bay, it is reported that a boda boda rider drowned in river Awach Tende during running battles between the police and protesters.

The rider jumped into the river water after abandoning his motorbike while fleeing from police.

Meanwhile three Members of County Assembly have accused the police of arresting peaceful protestors.

The three, Ojala Nyang’i (Kochia), Tony Otieno (Arujo) and Patrick Ware (Gem West) faulted the police for arresting their colleague Hamilton Odhiambo as he engaged in peaceful demonstrations.

“My colleague was engaging in a peaceful protest and we don’t know why police arrested him. The constitution grants us freedom to participate in a peaceful demonstration,” Otieno said.

Nyang’i said they went to the police station to be in solidarity with their colleague and other protesters who were arrested.

He said they are working on how the MCA can be released unconditionally.

“We have not been told of any possible charges at the moment. We are not sure whether he will be taken to court or not,” Nyang’i said. 

They vowed to continue participating in peaceful demos for the three days this week.

Courtesy ; K. N. A