Ten injured, one arrested in chaotic ODM grassroots polls in Siaya, Kisumu

One person was arrested and at least 10 people injured on Wednesday after the ongoing Orange Democratic Movement Party grassroots elections turned bloody and chaotic in two counties in Nyanza.

In Bondo, Siaya County, two rival groups clashed during the polls, leading to six people being injured.

It all started when a group suspected their rivals of rigging the polls at the ODM offices at Koyucho in Bondo.

Moments later, a fight erupted, leaving scores with injuries.

It took the intervention of the police to calm the situation, allowing the process to continue.

“The police stepped in and calmed the situation after the rival groups clashed during the ODM party primaries. We have so far launched investigations into the matter and soon we shall give a comprehensive report,” said Bondo sub-County police commander, Robert Aboki.

The injured people were rushed to Bondo sub-County hospital where they are receiving treatment.

In Ugunja, Alego Usonga, Gem, Rarieda and Ugenya, the process went on without fracas.

Carrying weapons

Elsewhere in Nyakach, Kisumu County, one person was arrested after he was found with a tear gas canister and crude weapons, including knives and pangas.

He was said to be planning alongside others to disrupt an ongoing grassroots election of sub-county officials at Kodingo Chief’s camp.

The suspect claimed his team of five was from Nyando, a neighboring constituency and had been hired by a certain politician to create chaos during the election.

His accomplices, who were about four, fled for their dear lives, escaping the wrath of members of the public.

Police came to the rescue of the suspect who was bleeding profusely after serious beatings, and took him to hospital.

Tension high

Earlier tension was high at Thurdibuoro in Nyakach during the polls. 

The situation has sparked fear among residents, who are concerned about potential violence and disruption of the electoral process again. 

However, the local authorities intervened and the elections went on. 

The elected representatives for women, youth, Persons With Disability within Nyakach was finally announced. 

Speaking at Pap Onditi Resource Centre, Nyakach sub-County returning officer Mr Nehemiah Okwach appreciated the completion of the election despite the hitches experienced. 

"We have completed the grassroots elections without any issue apart from isolated ones. We have cleared the elections for grassroots representatives of PWD, women, youth," said Mr Okwach. 

Accusations and 'sponsored goons'

Meanwhile, a section of political leaders from Homa Bay now want police to arrest their counterparts who are accused of hiring youths to disrupt the ongoing ODM grassroots election.

Violence was witnessed in the county on Monday and Wednesday as members of the Orange party were taking part in a poll to choose their officials.

There was violence in Ndhiwa on Monday, where a youth lost his left palm after it was cut by a machete.

A case of violence was also reported at Kabunde Social hall on Wednesday.

Politicians led by Homa Bay County Assembly Majority Leader Richard Ogindo, Kanyamwa Kosewe MCA Nicholas Owaka and his North Kabuoch counterpart Boaz Kiri said the electoral violence was uncalled for as they called on police to investigate the cases and take necessary action against whoever was behind the violence.

According to Mr Ogindo, some of the youths who were caught up in the fights could have been incited by political leaders.

He said the election should be conducted peacefully without anyone being injured.

“What happened during the poll is uncalled for. It is an act that should not be repeated,” Mr Ogindo said.

Mr Ogindo said some rogue politicians could have fueled the violence.

The county assembly majority leader particularly pointed fingers at two leaders who he claimed had fueled the violence.

“Let all serving politicians be role models to youths. They should be a good example to people seeking leadership,” he said.

Mr Owaka said arresting the political leaders will enhance peaceful co-existence in the region.

He said police should take action against the perpetrators of the violence.

“Arresting and detaining the suspects will serve as an example to the rest who have similar thoughts of using youths to cause violence,” Mr Owaka said.

Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga called on ODM supporters to maintain peace during the party's grassroot election.

Mr Magwanga said the party is prepared to compete for elective seats in 2027 and would not want its supporters to engage in acts that will taint the image of the party.

“We are fully prepared to capture power in the next general election and would not want anything that slows us down,” he said.

Rushdie Oudia, George Odiwuor, Kassim Adinasi and Elizabeth Ojina