Kassim Abdi Sebo, popularly known as Abdi Sebo, was arrested at Homa Bay Bus Stage on Thursday night, October 8, in an operation that also saw seven other men detained, bringing renewed attention to his alleged links to political and security developments in the county.
Police arrested Sebo while executing a warrant issued by the Homa Bay Law Courts on August 14, over an alleged offence of assault causing actual bodily harm under Section 251 of the Penal Code.
The operation involved officers from Homa Bay Police Station and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), with the seven other men accused of obstructing officers during the arrest.
The warrant was issued two days before the August 16 violence that disrupted the Linda Mwananchi political tour in Homa Bay.
What Is Known About Abdi Sebo?
Kassim Abdi Sebo was born on July 19, 1995, and is 31 years old.
Sebo has been described as a youth mobiliser in Homa Bay, and his name drew attention after the violence disrupted the Linda Mwananchi political tour on Sunday, August 16.
Also Read: Homa Bay Roads Blocked as Tension Mounts Ahead of Linda Mwananchi Rally
The event brought together several political leaders, including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and other figures associated with the movement.
The tour was marked by road blockades, attacks on vehicles, damage to property and assaults on journalists.
Abdi Sebo subsequently became a subject of police interest in connection with investigations into the violence.
How the Homa Bay Political Violence Unfolded
The violence unfolded as the Linda Mwananchi convoy moved through parts of Homa Bay County on August 16.
The night before the tour, Homa Bay Tourist Hotel was reportedly attacked, with windows smashed, property damaged and valuables stolen.
AFP correspondent Fred Ooko was also assaulted and robbed of his camera and driving licence while covering the developments.
As the convoy approached Ndhiwa, vehicles were pelted with stones, forcing the leaders to make a temporary U-turn before police intervened.
At Nyandiwa in Suba South, groups of youths carrying stones and sticks reportedly blocked roads as the leaders attempted to reach a church service, forcing them to abandon the visit.
The confrontations intensified as the convoy approached Homa Bay Town and sections of the Homa Bay-Mbita road, including the stretch between Lala and Junction Kodoyo, were barricaded, while several vehicles were vandalised
The convoy of former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati was also attacked at Asumbi Junction.
Seventh-day Adventist Church’s Lake Victoria Field headquarters at Lala was reportedly damaged during the violence, with buildings and vehicles affected.
Also Read: Former Governor Beaten While Heading to Homa Bay for Linda Mwananchi Rally
Police also took security measures around the rally. On August 16, officers arrested two youths near Wiobiero High School along the Sori-Rodi Kopany road and seized five pangas. The youths were reportedly suspected of heading towards Homa Bay Town with the weapons.
Two Dead, 46 Injured in the Clashes
The violence left two people dead and 46 injured, according to reports published after the clashes.
The fatalities included a police officer who was struck by a stone while travelling in a police vehicle and a Ugandan woman who was run over by a vehicle and later died in hospital.
Of those injured, seven were reported to be in critical condition, while four had sustained gunshot wounds.
Other victims suffered injuries including deep cuts, and some were transferred to private health facilities for treatment.
Several journalists were reportedly assaulted while covering the violence, while others lost equipment or had their belongings damaged.
Vehicles were also torched, while road blockades disrupted movement in parts of the county.
Police Pursuit of Abdi Sebo
Following the August 16 clashes, police sought Abdi Sebo for questioning as investigations into the violence continued.
On August 19, police directed him to report to DCI offices in Homa Bay to record a statement, but he reportedly failed to honour the summons, prompting a manhunt.
Investigators were pursuing leads relating to the confrontations, property destruction and attacks on journalists during the political tour. Sebo’s name also featured in allegations linking him to a group known as the Hammer Boys, describing him as a leader of the group.
Arrest Sparks Fresh Tension in Homa Bay
Sebo’s arrest on the night of October 8 triggered tension in Homa Bay Town, where groups of youths protested and demanded his release.
Demonstrators barricaded roads and lit bonfires, disrupting traffic and forcing some businesses to close.
The unrest continued into Friday, October 9, with transport services affected and traders shutting their premises amid fears of further confrontations.
Police officers moved to clear barricades and restore order as tensions spread through parts of the town.
Police arrested seven other men during the operation after they allegedly obstructed officers as they apprehended Sebo.
The eight suspects were held in police custody pending arraignment in court.
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