An empowerment event in Homa Bay Town descended into chaos after youths allegedly stormed the distribution area and made away with equipment meant for women, young people and persons with disabilities.
The incident occurred at Raila Odinga Stadium during Jua Kali Artisan Day organised by Homa Bay Woman Representative Joyce Osogo, popularly known as Bensuda, and attended by Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya.
Police were called to the stadium after youths moved onto the pitch and began taking machines as officials distributed equipment to registered groups.
Mr Oparanya’s bodyguards later formed a protective ring around him as some youths moved towards the dais. The Cabinet Secretary appealed to the youths to stop taking the equipment, warning beneficiaries to protect what they had received.
“Why do you steal what is meant to benefit you? We have brought a lot of things to help the people. There is no need for stealing,” Mr Oparanya said. Dr Osogo’s office had bought sewing, welding and lathe machines, posho mills and car-wash pumps, as well as water tanks, wheelchairs, mattresses, jikos and cooler boxes.
Some of the working tools that the office of Homa Bay Woman Representative Joyce Osogo distributed to youth and women groups during the second edition of Jua Kali Artisan Day at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay Town on October 2, 2026. Some of the tools were stolen.
Photo credit: George Odiwuor| Nation Media Group
The ministry added eight car-wash machines, eight welding machines, a leather sewing machine, wrench and jack sets, mechanical tool kits, 14 survey machines, eight knitting machines, five posho mills, five ice machines and five woodworking machines. Mr Oparanya said some of the equipment had been provided by President William Ruto.
Trouble began towards the end of the distribution when shouts came from one section of the stadium. Some youths entered the pitch, where the equipment was displayed, and began walking away with items.
At one point, youths tried to take a welding machine from a group that had just received it.
Mr Oparanya urged beneficiaries to safeguard their equipment, saying they would not receive replacements if the machines were lost. Mr Osogo later alleged that one of the people involved was a Homa Bay County Government employee who had mobilised youths from Shauri Yako.
Some of the working tools that the office of Homa Bay Woman Representative Joyce Osogo distributed to youth and women groups during the second edition of Jua Kali Artisan Day at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay Town on October 2, 2026. Some of the tools were stolen.
Photo credit: George Odiwuor| Nation Media Group
Police arrived about five minutes after being called and stopped further distribution, moving the remaining equipment to a secure location.
Homa Bay County Police Commander Lawrence Koilem said no formal report had been made to his office, making it difficult to establish the number of items allegedly taken.
The incident has prompted concern among local leaders over youth violence and disruption at public events ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Homa Bay Bunge la Wenye Nchi leader Walter Opiyo said politicians also bore responsibility where young people were mobilised or paid to disrupt events. He warned that theft at public functions could escalate into attacks on businesses and property.
Some of the working tools that the office of Homa Bay Woman Representative Joyce Osogo distributed to youth and women groups during the second edition of Jua Kali Artisan Day at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay Town on October 2, 2026. Some of the tools were stolen.
Photo credit: George Odiwuor| Nation Media Group
Senator Moses Kajwang and Karachuonyo MP Andrew Adipo Okuome condemned the incident and urged leaders to engage young people and create opportunities for them.
Senator Kajwang said failure to address such behaviour could create greater problems, while Mr Okuome said the incident damaged Homa Bay’s reputation.
He called for leaders and communities to work together to prevent the behaviour from becoming entrenched.
