HOMA BAY, Kenya — A suspected gang leader arrested in Homa Bay is expected to appear at Kisii Law Courts on Monday, October 12, 2026, to face robbery with violence charges, following a court order directing his transfer from Homa Bay on security grounds.
The suspect was arrested last week alongside eight other people during a police operation on Thursday night. The arrests triggered unrest in Homa Bay town, prompting anti-riot police officers to intervene and restore calm.
Police have since arrested at least 19 additional suspects as investigations and security operations continue.
Eight Suspects Remanded for Seven Days
The eight people arrested during the operation were presented before the Homa Bay Law Courts on Friday.
The court authorised their detention at Oyugis Police Station for seven days to allow detectives to continue investigations.
The arrests were made as officers executed a warrant linked to Criminal Case No. E300/2026 and reference CR 617/142/2026, issued by the Chief Magistrate's Court in Homa Bay.
According to police, the eight men allegedly obstructed officers who were attempting to arrest the suspected gang leader.
Suspect Linked to Assault and Robbery Investigations
The suspected gang leader had been wanted over allegations of assault causing actual bodily harm, an offence under Section 251 of the Penal Code.
He has also been linked by investigators to several robbery and assault cases in the area.
The operation involved officers from Homa Bay Police Station and detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), under the command of County Police Commander Lawrence Koilem.
The planned transfer to Kisii is intended to facilitate plea-taking under the court order, with security concerns cited as the reason for holding the proceedings outside Homa Bay.
Investigations Into Deadly Homa Bay Unrest
The suspect has also been linked in earlier police statements to investigations into deadly violence in Homa Bay during a visit by the Linda Mwananchi team.
The reported violence left at least 10 people dead, including a police officer, while scores of others sustained injuries in attacks involving machetes, commonly known as pangas.
Vehicles were also reportedly damaged, and journalists covering the rally were attacked.
Police had directed the suspect to surrender to the DCI at its Homa Bay County headquarters to assist with investigations into the unrest. The supplied account says he did not comply with that directive.
Hammer Boys Allegations Under Scrutiny
Reports have identified the suspect as the alleged leader of a group known as the Hammer Boys, which has featured in claims concerning political mobilisation and violence in the area.
He has also been alleged to have links to senior political and government officials from the region.
These claims remain allegations and should be assessed through the ongoing investigations and court proceedings. No finding of guilt is established by the arrest or the charges.
The suspect's expected court appearance comes amid heightened scrutiny of alleged organised violence in Homa Bay and calls for accountability over the deaths, injuries and property damage reported during the unrest.
