Governor Kang’ata Condemns Homa Bay Violence, Calls for Arrest of Perpetrators

MURANG’A — Murang’a County Governor Irungu Kang’ata has condemned the violence reported during the Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay on Sunday, calling for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.

In a social media statement on Monday, Kang’ata said Kenyans had fought for decades to uphold the principle that political power belongs to the people and that citizens should be free to express themselves without fear of violence.

He said the events witnessed in Homa Bay represented a serious threat to constitutional rights and democratic freedoms.

“When the State outsources violence to civilians and gives them immunity, it has abandoned the Constitution and declared war on its own people,” Kang’ata said.

The governor compared the reported violence to political repression witnessed in Kenya during the 1990s, referring to the pro-democracy struggle and the introduction of multiparty politics.

He also linked the events to the wider history of political unrest in the country, including the Saba Saba movement and the 2007-2008 post-election violence.

Kang’ata Accuses State of Enabling Violence

Kang’ata described the incidents in Homa Bay as “sponsored brutality,” alleging that armed groups were allowed to operate with impunity while security officers failed to protect citizens.

He questioned whether Kenya had achieved multiparty democracy only for citizens to face violence when exercising their constitutional rights.

The governor cited Articles 37, 29 and 244 of the Constitution, which provide protections relating to peaceful assembly, freedom and security of the person, and the conduct of the National Police Service.

Calls for Arrests and Release of Detainees

Kang’ata called for the arrest and prosecution of individuals involved in the violence, as well as public officials he alleged enabled the perpetrators to operate.

He further demanded the disbandment of what he described as “shadow units and political militias” allegedly being used against citizens.

The governor also called for the immediate release of Linda Mwananchi members arrested in connection with what he described as peaceful assembly.

His remarks come amid growing concerns over political violence following the clashes in Homa Bay, where several people were injured and property was reportedly destroyed.

‘Power Is Temporary, Constitution Is Permanent’

Kang’ata urged the government to uphold the rule of law and respect constitutional freedoms, warning that the standards established by those in power could eventually be applied to them when they leave office.

He maintained that political power is temporary, while the Constitution remains the country's enduring framework.

The governor's statement adds to calls for accountability and peaceful political engagement following the Homa Bay incidents.