A police driver was killed and dozens of people injured during the violence that followed the Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay, with ODM putting the number of wounded civilians at 24 and security officers at 10.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), in a statement issued on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, said the incident caused injuries, loss of life and destruction of property, while also interfering with the normal activities of residents.
ODM Interim Secretary General Catherine Omanyo said the party was concerned about the events that unfolded around the political rally held on Sunday.
“The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) notes with deep concern the disruption of the peace, daily activities and fundamental rights of the people of Homa Bay on Sunday, arising from events surrounding a public rally organised by the Linda Mwananchi political caucus,” Omanyo stated.
According to the party, 24 civilians were caught up in the violence and suffered injuries of varying severity.
Those injured included people who sustained broken fingers, head injuries, gunshot wounds, fractures and other physical injuries, ODM said.
The party also reported injuries among security personnel who were deployed to deal with the situation.
A total of 10 security officers were listed as injured, with ODM saying they included police officers and other security personnel involved in managing the incident.
The party also confirmed the death of a police driver during the confrontation.
Party raises concern over Homa Bay violence
ODM said the violence had affected residents who were either performing their duties or simply going about their normal activities.
The party condemned what it described as hooliganism, thuggery and violence during the rally and said political meetings should not put members of the public at risk.
ODM said the organisers, purpose or political message of a gathering should not be used as a reason to disrupt peace or interfere with the rights and livelihoods of citizens.
“No political gathering, regardless of its organisers, objectives or message, should become an occasion for violence, intimidation or disruption of citizens’ rights and livelihoods,” the party said.
The party said the Homa Bay incident was particularly concerning because it affected both civilians and security personnel tasked with managing the situation.
The party used the incident to reaffirm its support for peaceful political engagement.
ODM said its history was rooted in efforts to widen democratic space in Kenya and that it had continued to defend citizens’ freedom to associate, organise, assemble and express political opinions.
The party maintained that political disagreements should be handled through discussion, persuasion and democratic processes rather than violence.
It said the ballot should ultimately determine who earns the right to political leadership.
ODM further stated that it would not back or accept violence as a method of gaining, exercising or keeping political power.
The party also cautioned individuals and groups against associating its name with violent or unlawful conduct.
ODM said no person should use the party's name to defend acts of intimidation, violence or lawlessness.
It called for political competition to remain peaceful and centred on issues that matter to citizens.
The party also sent its condolences and sympathies to the victims of the Homa Bay incident and their families.
It said its message also extended to victims whose identities had not been confirmed at the time of issuing the statement.
ODM noted that those affected included people who were working as well as members of the public who were carrying out their ordinary activities when the violence erupted.
The statement comes as political activity around the Linda Mwananchi movement continues, with the Homa Bay rally marked by clashes, injuries, property damage and the death of a police officer.