MARAGA CONDEMNS HOMA BAY VIOLENCE, FAULTS POLICE OVER SECURITY LAPSES Nairobi.

Former Chief Justice David Maraga has strongly condemned the violent clashes that erupted in Homa Bay during a political rally, accusing police officers of failing to effectively deal with goons and attributing the unrest to a lack of independence within the National Police Service.

In remarks and a formal letter issued on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, Maraga criticised the security response to the chaos that left at least two people dead, including a police officer, dozens injured, several vehicles torched, and businesses looted. The violence broke out during and around a Linda Mwananchi rally, with reports of armed youths blocking roads, attacking convoys, and assaulting journalists covering the event.

Maraga accuses police officers of failing to deal with the goons, quoting the former chief justice. He stated that the lack of police independence is perpetuating such violence across the country. Maraga linked the Homa Bay incidents to what he described as organised political violence, goonism, and partisan policing witnessed in other areas including Keumbu and Ol Kalou, as well as attacks in churches in Kisumu, Nairobi, and Witima.

In an open letter addressed to President William Ruto, Maraga demanded the immediate release and publication of the complete and unedited report of the Taskforce on Police and Prisons Reforms, which he chaired. The report was submitted to the President on November 16, 2023. Maraga gave the Head of State a seven-day ultimatum, warning that he would release the document himself if the demand was not met.

“For now, nearly three years, you have failed to implement the said recommendations and restore the Independence of the Service,” Maraga wrote. He cited constitutional provisions and the National Police Service Act that establish the police as an independent national security organ not subject to direction by any individual, including the President, in the discharge of its mandate.

Maraga argued that the recent events point to state capture of the National Police Service, resulting in non-action by officers during organised violence. “Contrary to these express provisions, we have witnessed organized political violence, goonism and partisan policing in Homa Bay, Keumbu, Ol Kalou as well as acts of violence in churches in Kisumu, Nairobi and Witima, among others, under your watch, direction and for your political benefit,” the letter stated. He warned that Kenya had travelled this path before at terrible cost and must not do so again.

Police have reported arresting dozens of suspects in connection with the Homa Bay violence. Homa Bay County Police Commander Lawrence Koilem earlier confirmed arrests, recovery of a Ceska pistol with ammunition, and injuries to officers and civilians. Some suspects have been arraigned in court, while investigations continue into the financing and organisation of the groups involved. Reports indicated that some youths were paid between Sh2,000 and Sh4,000 to disrupt the rally.

The former chief justice, who leads the United Green Movement Party, has repeatedly called for accountability in policing, including the prosecution of officers involved in brutality and the end of impunity. His latest intervention comes amid broader concerns over political violence ahead of the 2027 general election.

Authorities have not yet issued a detailed public response to Maraga’s specific accusations regarding the Homa Bay security failure. The former chief justice insisted that restoring police independence and implementing the taskforce recommendations remain essential to prevent further escalation of such incidents and to uphold the rule of law.