ODM condemns Migori assembly chaos, wants instigators arrested

The Orange Democratic Movement party has condemned the chaotic scenes witnessed yesterday at the Migori County Assembly that saw an MCA end up in hospital with a broken arm.

Chaos ruled the assembly on Wednesday after MCAs allied to Governor Okoth Obado stormed the morning sitting and ejected North Kanyamkago MCA George Omamba from the Speaker’s seat. 

This was amid growing tension ahead of a looming impeachment bid against the embattled county boss, who has been charged alongside his children and county officials in a Sh73 million corruption case.

Obado has also been charged with the murder of his lover Sharon Otieno and her unborn baby.

ODM secretary-general Edwin Sifuna has urged Inspector General of police Hillary Mutyambai to ensure those who attacked Nominated MCA Mary Ogodo are arrested immediately. 

Growing tension

Mr Sifuna said the chaos was an embarrassment to the party and noted it would discourage women from joining politics. 

"These are the incidents that are making women shy away from tossing themselves into politics even as we talk about the two-thirds gender rule," he said. 

Mr Sifuna was speaking at Countryside Hotel in Kanduyi, Bungoma County, during a meeting with ODM members, leaders and officials.

He said those who beat up Ms Ogodo and broke her arm should be arrested to serve as an example to others contemplating such behaviour in future. 

He also criticised Mr Obado’s development record in the region, amid growing tension between the governor and his party.

"As a party, we are always being asked by our electorates about development in our ODM counties and we have got numerous complaints from Migori about Governor Obado," he said. 

“In some counties things are worse as money is being stolen left, centre and right,” he added. 

Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi, who was at the meeting, said only BBI would help address the two-thirds gender rule.