By Peter Ochieng
Political leaders aligned to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party who were present during chaos that broke out on Friday in Migori and Sunday in Kisii, have been summoned to appear at the party’s Chungwa House, Nairobi headquaters this week.
They have been directed to appear before the party’s leadership led by party leader Raila Odinga on Wednesday, 8th May, 2024 from 10am.
They are expected to explain what transpired before the fracas ensued, and whether they had a hand in the chaos or not.
“Via this statement, the party summons all elected and nominated leaders present at these two functions to appear before the party leadership to explain their role, if any, in these unfortunate events,” the statement reads in part.
It is signed by ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, who doubles up as Nairobi Senator.
The Migori chaos occured at a funeral service, while the fracas in Kisii on Sunday ensued during a church fundraiser.
Police lobbed teargas in both events to disperse politicians and their supporters from different camps, after the situations threatened to get out of hand.
Sifuna invited the Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome, to ensure that perpetrators of violence in the two events are brought to book.
The fundraiser in Kisii was being presided over by South Mugirango MP Sylvanus Osoro. The vocal MP is also the Chief Whip in the National Assembly.
ODM MPs Obadiah Barongo and Anthony Kibagendi were among those in attendance.
Witnesses say trouble started when opposition leaders started criticizing the government. Leaders and supporters of the ruling United Democtratic Alliance (UDA) did not take the criticism lying down, leading to the tension.
Sifuna however blamed police for having a hand in the ugly incidences.
“We urge the police command to do whatever it takes to educate the members of the police service to understand their mandate does not extend to being jurors in political party activities,” he said.
Several meetings since after the 2022 general elections have ended prematurely in Kisii County, owing to the ‘percieved or real bad blood’ between Osoro and Kisii governor Paul Simba Arati.