12-year-old boy shot during Homa Bay rally

A 12-year-old boy was shot and seriously injured in the head during a confrontation between rival groups at a rally in Homa Bay Town.

The incident occurred at about 6:50 pm Thursday.

According to police and witnesses, a confrontation broke out between two groups, resulting in the boy being shot in the head.

The boy was rushed to Homa Bay County Teaching and Referral Hospital, where he received first aid.

An X-ray reportedly showed that a bullet fragment had lodged in his skull.

He was subsequently referred to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kisumu for specialised surgery to remove the bullet.

Police arrested three people in connection with the incident and placed them in custody pending interrogation.

Police said one of those arrested was found in possession of a Ceska pistol, together with two magazines containing 14 and 15 rounds of 9mm ammunition respectively.

Another person arrested was also found in possession of a Motorola radio call, which police seized and booked as an exhibit.

The three were booked at the police station and remained in custody as investigations into the shooting continued.

Police said they were still investigating the incident.

The incident came days after the town experienced violent clashes.

The clashes left at least four people dead and dozens seriously injured.

Cases where goons have been attacking perceived political rivals’ meetings have been on the rise in some parts of the country.

The incidents have left at least six people dead in a worrying trend, while dozens of others were injured ahead of the 2027 polls

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has downplayed the issue, saying Kenya does not have a crisis of goons.