Police arrested 19 more suspects during the second day of an operation aimed at restoring normalcy in Homa Bay Town.
This followed chaos that was witnessed on October 9 following the arrest of Homa Bay suspected gang leader Kassim Abdi Sebo popularly known as Abdi and eight others.
The 19 suspects were arrested on Saturday, October 10, 2026, in a continued security operation targeting individuals suspected of engaging in various criminal activities within the town.
According to police, the 19 suspects were arrested at different locations within the town and are expected to face charges related to preparation to commit a felony, gambling for money, resisting arrest and consumption of illicit brew.
Police said all the suspects were booked at the station and placed in custody pending their arraignment in court on Monday, October 12, 2026.
The operation, which entered its second day on Saturday, is part of efforts by security agencies to address criminal activities and maintain public order in Homa Bay Town.
The suspects are expected to answer to the respective charges in court, where the allegations will be determined through the judicial process.
Meanwhile, Sebo will be charged with robbery with violence, police said.
A court in Homa Bay on Friday ordered that he be moved to Kisii Law Courts for plea taking on October 12. This is for security reasons, officials said.
This was after he and eight others were arrested in an operation on Thursday night.
The arrest sparked chaos in the town as anti-riot police moved to calm the situation.
Police said at least 19 more suspects were arrested at the weekend in ongoing operations in the town.
The eight suspects arrested during the execution of an arrest warrant against Sebo were remanded for seven days pending investigations.
The suspects were presented before the Homa Bay Law Courts, where the court ordered that they be detained at Oyugis Police Station for seven days to allow investigators to continue with their inquiries.
The eight suspects are Achiando Victor Odhiambo, 26, Isaac Masika Muliro, alias Waingo, 30, Oyege Moses Geoffrey, 27, Geoffrey Njore, 25, Odhiambo Wesley Arnold, alias Mwas, 26, Joseph Kobila, 28, Alfred Nyagiro Aliwa, 26 and Meroline Atieno, 26.
The arrests were made while officers were executing a warrant against Sebo in connection with Criminal Case No. E300/2026, referenced under CR 617/142/2026, issued by the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Homa Bay.
The investigations are ongoing, with the eight suspects remaining in custody for the seven-day period authorised by the court.
Sebo was wanted for assault causing actual bodily harm, contrary to Section 251 of the Penal Code.
He has also been linked to a series of robberies and assault cases in the area.
A team of officers from Homa Bay Police Station and detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), acting under the command of County Police Commander Lawrence Koilem, carried out the operation at around 9:55pm.
Police said eight men who were accompanying Sebo allegedly obstructed officers as they attempted to effect the arrest, leading to their detention.
Police had also said he was at the centre of investigations into deadly chaos in Homa Bay when Linda Mwananchi team visited there.
Sebo is alleged to have close links to senior political and government officials from the area.
The allegations come as investigators probe the events that left at least ten people dead, including a police officer, while scores of others sustained panga-related injuries and are receiving treatment in hospital.
Police had since ordered him to surrender to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) at the Homa Bay County headquarters to assist with investigations into the unrest. He defied the orders.
The latest development has brought renewed attention to the identity and alleged activities of the group amid heightened scrutiny over organised political violence in Homa Bay.
Reports identify Sebo as the leader of the Hammer Boys, a group that has featured in claims surrounding political mobilisation and violence in the Homa Bay area.
The allegations have gained prominence following clashes, which left people dead and scores injured, while vehicles were damaged and journalists attacked during their coverage of the rally.
The matter remains under probe.
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