A group of youths allegedly raided Homa Bay Tourist Hotel on Saturday night, vandalising the facility and stealing property amid heightened political tensions ahead of a planned Linda Mwananchi rally.
According to a police incident report, the group stormed the hotel at about 8 pm before damaging furniture, equipment and other items.
The hotel manager reported the incident at Homa Bay Police Station at 10:15 pm, after which police officers and investigators were dispatched to the scene.
Police officers were accompanied by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) personnel to examine the hotel and document the damage.
The facility is located in the Homa Bay Pier Lake area, approximately two kilometres west of Homa Bay Police Station.
“Police managed to access the said hotel, where they found all hotel stationery, accessories and furniture of unknown value was destroyed and stolen therein.” The police report said.
By the time officers arrived, the suspected attackers had reportedly left the scene using motorcycles.
Police have not identified the youths or established the motive behind the incident.
Investigations have been launched, with the matter being handled by the Sub-County Criminal Investigations Officer (SCCIO) in Homa Bay.
The incident comes amid heightened political tensions in the county ahead of the Linda Mwananchi rally on Sunday.
The movement, associated with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and other political leaders, has been conducting political mobilisation in different parts of the country and was scheduled to hold rallies in Homa Bay.
Earlier on Sunday, roads leading into and out of Homa Bay Town were reportedly barricaded with large stones, disrupting movement in some parts of the town.
Videos circulating on social media showed vehicles unable to access some roads, with the barricades appearing to have been placed overnight.
The road blockades came after warnings from ODM-allied leaders who had vowed to oppose the planned gathering associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement.
The developments have raised concerns about possible confrontations between rival political groups as the movement seeks to hold rallies in an area traditionally associated with ODM.
The government had earlier assured organisers and participants that security would be provided during the political gathering.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said political groups have a constitutional right to hold meetings anywhere in the country regardless of their political affiliations.
However, he also warned political actors and their supporters to observe the law while exercising their rights.
The hotel raid adds to a series of security concerns reported in Homa Bay ahead of the rally, with authorities under pressure to prevent political disagreements from escalating into violence.
Police are continuing investigations into the hotel incident as they seek to identify the people responsible and establish the circumstances surrounding the destruction and theft of property.
The value of the stolen and damaged items had not been established at the time of reporting.
No arrests had been reported in connection with the hotel raid based on the information provided.
Authorities are expected to maintain heightened security in the county as political activities continue and leaders prepare to address supporters during the planned Linda Mwananchi gatherings.