‘We’ve Lost Lives’: Homa Bay Traders Cry for Help as Deadly Bee Swarms Invade Market, Chase Away Customers
Traders at Ringa Market in Kojwach, Homa Bay County, have accused county authorities of ignoring a dangerous bee infestation that they claim has turned the busy trading centre into a death trap, with residents alleging that at least two people have died following attacks.
The traders are now demanding urgent intervention from the Homa Bay County Government, warning they could shut down the market if the swarms are not removed before more lives are put at risk.
According to traders who spoke to a local television station on Sunday, July 19, 2026, the bees have occupied electricity poles installed throughout the market and have been terrorising traders, shoppers and passers-by for more than three months.
Bees nesting inside electricity poles
Trader Paul Sidhe said the insects have built colonies inside several electricity poles fitted with street lights, becoming increasingly aggressive during the day and making it difficult for people to conduct business safely.
“Vile walitengeneza hizi taa, ziko saba. Na hizi pole zote, saa hizi nyuki ziko hapo ndani. Sasa ikifika wakati wa jua, unaona kama wanasumbua wafanyabiashara,” Sidhe said.
He appealed to the county government’s agriculture department to move swiftly and remove the swarms before another tragedy occurs.
“Sasa nawaomba serikali ya kaunti yetu ya Homa Bay, waone njia yoyote vile nimesema wamalize hayo nyuki mara moja, sio kurudia maneno kila mara ikifika siku ya madhara,” he added.
Residents allege attacks have turned fatal
The situation has become even more alarming after residents claimed the attacks have already claimed lives.
Resident Alice Omolo alleged that two people—including a child—died after being stung by the bees in separate incidents.
According to her, one incident occurred after a donkey pulling a water container struck one of the electricity poles, disturbing the bees and triggering a swarm attack.
“Kuna kontena hizi za kubeba maji punda iligonga moja ya hizi poles, ikaleta madhara hata kuna mtoto aliaga dunia sababu ya kuumwa na hizo nyuki. Kuna mzee pia alipatikana na hiyo shida,” Omolo claimed.
The reported deaths have not been independently verified, and county authorities had not publicly commented on the allegations by the time of publication.
Businesses counting losses
Beyond the safety concerns, traders say the infestation has severely affected business, with many customers avoiding the market out of fear of being attacked.
Trader Esther Onyango said parents are especially reluctant to shop at the market because children may unknowingly disturb the bee nests hidden inside the poles.
“Mteja akikuja anangalia nyuki, labda amekuja na mtoto. Mtoto anaenda kupiga hiyo post nyuki itatokelezea. So, tunapata kama inatuhangamiza kwa biashara,” Onyango explained.
The traders say customer numbers have dropped significantly over the past three months, leaving many struggling to earn a living.
Calls for urgent county action
Residents have criticised the Homa Bay County Government for what they describe as a slow response despite repeated complaints about the infestation.
Resident Benard Okebo urged authorities to treat the matter as an emergency before more people are injured.
“Hii kiji-nyuki hii haki inasumbua watu hapa. Tena inatakikana itolewe… So tunaomba serikali ikuje tusaidie hapa,” he said.
The traders are now calling on the county’s agriculture department and other relevant agencies to safely remove the bee colonies from the electricity poles, insisting the market cannot continue operating normally while customers and traders remain under constant threat of attack.
Also Read: Faith Odhiambo Confirms Linda Mwananchi Will Launch Political Party Before End of 2026