Youths Storm Oparanya’s Homa Bay Event, Walk Away With Machines

An empowerment programme targeting women, young people and persons with disabilities in Homa Bay Town descended into chaos after a group of youths reportedly entered the distribution area and took away equipment intended for organised groups.

The incident occurred on October 2, 2026, at Raila Odinga Stadium during the second edition of Jua Kali Artisan Day, an initiative organised by Homa Bay Woman Representative Joyce Osogo, popularly known as Bensuda. Cooperatives and MSME Development Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya attended the event.

The gathering was intended to provide entrepreneurs with equipment to establish businesses, improve their operations and create employment opportunities.

However, tensions emerged towards the end of the distribution exercise when some youths moved onto the stadium pitch, where the machines and other items had been displayed. The group reportedly began carrying away equipment as officials struggled to contain the situation.

In one incident, youths allegedly attempted to snatch a welding machine from a group that had just received it.

Oparanya appealed to those involved to stop the disruption, questioning why anyone would take equipment intended to support local livelihoods. He also urged beneficiaries to protect the items issued to them, warning that lost equipment would not automatically be replaced.

The Cabinet Secretary’s security team formed a protective barrier around him as some youths moved towards the dais, prompting further concern among those attending the function.

The equipment had been assembled through the efforts of Osogo’s office and the national government. The items included sewing, welding and woodworking machines, posho mills, car-wash equipment, water tanks, wheelchairs, mattresses, cooking stoves and cooler boxes.

Additional supplies included mechanical tool kits, knitting machines, ice-making equipment, surveying machines and tools for leatherwork. The equipment was intended to help beneficiaries develop income-generating activities and expand existing enterprises.

Osogo later alleged that a Homa Bay County Government employee had mobilised some of the youths involved in the disruption. She said she would raise the matter with Governor Gladys Wanga to seek administrative action. The allegation had not been independently established.

Police officers were called to the stadium and arrived shortly afterwards. Their intervention halted the distribution exercise, while the remaining equipment was moved to a secure location to prevent further losses.

Homa Bay County Police Commander Lawrence Koilem said his office had not received a formal report detailing the alleged theft, making it difficult to establish the quantity of equipment taken.

The incident drew condemnation from local leaders, who expressed concern about the disruption of public functions and the safety of property distributed through empowerment programmes.

Homa Bay Bunge la Wenye Nchi leader Walter Opiyo warned that such incidents could encourage further theft and disorder if left unaddressed. He also called on political leaders to take responsibility for the conduct of young people associated with their activities.

Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang and Karachuonyo MP Andrew Adipo Okuome also criticised the incident, urging leaders to engage young people constructively and support initiatives that create opportunities for them.

The disruption has renewed questions about security arrangements at public events and the need to ensure that equipment provided to support vulnerable groups reaches its intended beneficiaries.

The incident also highlights the importance of transparent distribution procedures, proper crowd management and cooperation between organisers and security agencies to safeguard public resources and protect community empowerment initiatives.