17/08/2026
*Statement by the CEO, Homa Bay County Tourism and Cultural Association*
The Homa Bay County Tourism and Cultural Association issues this unequivocal and strongest possible condemnation of the cowardly, criminal attacks on hotel establishments in our county, particularly the repeated raids on Homa Bay Tourist Hotel on 15 and 16 August 2026.
Armed youths, some reportedly clad in political party attire, stormed the premises, forced guests to flee in terror, smashed windows, destroyed furniture, CCTV cameras and other property, looted items, and left workers and visitors traumatised. These acts were not isolated hooliganism. They occurred in the context of explicit public incitement by political leaders from this county who urged supporters to conduct door-to-door searches of places of accommodation, to “flush out” perceived opponents, and who issued direct warnings to hotel owners that they and their establishments would be targeted if they hosted certain guests.
This Association stands firmly and without reservation against every form of political violence, intimidation, and the weaponisation of our hospitality sector. Hotels, lodges, and tourism facilities are neutral spaces of commerce, employment, and welcome. They are not political battlegrounds. Guests—whether local, national, or international—have a right to safety. Employees have a right to work without fear. Investors have a right to operate without their property being treated as collateral in political scores.
The damage inflicted is not only material. It strikes at the heart of Homa Bay’s tourism brand, our lakeside appeal, our cultural hospitality, and the livelihoods of hundreds of families who depend on this sector. Every broken window, every looted room, every traumatised staff member, and every cancelled booking is a direct assault on the economic future of our people. Political leaders who incite or tolerate such thuggery are sabotaging the very county they claim to represent.
We demand:
1) Immediate, thorough, and transparent investigations by the National Police Service and relevant agencies into the attacks and into the public statements that preceded them.
2) Swift arrest and prosecution of every individual who participated in the raids, and accountability for any political figures whose words or actions encouraged the violence.
3) Clear public repudiation by all political parties and leaders of any form of goon culture, hotel invasions, road blockades, or attacks on media and citizens in the name of politics.
4) Guaranteed protection for all hospitality establishments and their clients, irrespective of the political affiliations of guests.
Homa Bay County’s tourism and cultural assets belong to the people, not to any political faction. We will not remain silent while they are desecrated. The Association calls on every responsible leader, the business community, civil society, and residents to reject this descent into lawlessness. Peace, security, and respect for private enterprise are non-negotiable foundations for the development we all claim to seek.
Any further attacks or incitement will be met with the full force of our collective condemnation and every available legal and public avenue of redress. Our hotels must remain open for business and for visitors—not for political warfare. Issued by the CEO
Homa Bay County Tourism and Cultural Association
17 August 2026
