Bungoma Woman Representative aspirant Agnetta Mwangale has been found alive but injured after reportedly disappearing during the chaos that followed the Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay.
Mwangale was located on Monday, August 17, according to an update by Vihiga Woman Representative aspirant Amakove Wala, who said arrangements were underway to get her to safety and medical attention.
“My fellow woman rep aspirant for Bungoma, Agnetta Mwangale, has finally been located this morning, injured, traumatized. There is a team headed to take her to safety and medical care,” Wala said.
Mwangale reportedly lost contact with her team on Sunday evening as disorder broke out during the political gathering. Another participant, Abigael Githonyo, was also reported missing around the same time.
Concerns over Mwangale’s whereabouts intensified after her phone and that of Githonyo were reportedly switched off, leaving their families, supporters and political colleagues unable to reach them through the night.
Wala has since raised concerns over the circumstances surrounding the unrest, describing the incidents at the rally and afterwards as a coordinated attack. She alleged that vehicles in the convoy were vandalised, stoned, damaged with tear gas and, in some instances, set on fire.
She further claimed that some vehicles were targeted with live ammunition and accused police officers of taking part in the violence. Wala also alleged that several supporters were injured, including members of a female cheerleading team who required medical treatment.
According to Wala, some belongings belonging to supporters, including bags, clothes and documents, were also taken during the chaos. She additionally claimed that injured people seeking treatment at Homa Bay Hospital were subjected to further attacks.
The disappearance of Mwangale sparked widespread concern online, with political leaders, supporters and activists calling for investigations into the events surrounding the rally.
Calls for accountability have also grown amid reports of violence, blocked roads, property damage and alleged attacks on people attending or covering the political event.
Mwangale is an emerging politician from Bungoma County who is seeking the Woman Representative seat. She is a graduate of Moi University, where she served in the Students’ Governing Council and was involved in advocating for student welfare.
She has since become associated with efforts to increase youth participation in Kenyan politics and has built a grassroots profile across Bungoma and the wider Western Kenya region.
