Eleven people, including former Suna West MP Joseph Ndiege, were hospitalized after chaos unfolded during a gathering organized by Azimio leader Raila Odinga in Migori County.
The event, which was attended by ODM delegates, took a chaotic turn after a confrontation by local youths who were armed with machetes demanded to conduct searches on all vehicles before granting them access to the Maranatha Church grounds, the chosen venue for the meeting.
Ndiege, who arrived in two vehicles – a Toyota Landcruiser V8 and a Toyota Probox – was however denied entry. His cars were also pelted with stones by the irate youth prompting him and his supporters to escape.
Witnesses shared photos on social media which revealed shattered windows in Ndiege’s vehicles.
The injured were ferried to Ojele Memorial Hospital in Migori for further medical attention.
Calm was eventually restored upon Raila Odinga’s arrival at the venue, as Azimio supporters milled around his vehicles.
Resign and seek re-election, says Raila
The event saw the participation of several prominent figures, including Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko, DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa, and former Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria.
Other leaders present included Migori County Senator Eddy Gicheru Oketch, Migori County Woman Representative Fatuma Mohamed, Nyatike MP Tom Mboya Odege, and Awendo MP Walter Owino.
While addressing the gathering, Azimio leader Raila emphasized the importance of elected officials adhering to the ODM party’s constitution.
“We want to see unity, you can’t move to another party claiming that you are looking for development. There are structures the leaders can use to get development. We don’t want betrayal. That’s why we took actions against those not loyal to the party” said Raila.
“If you think you are tough enough, just come back to the ground,” he added.
Raila stated that those who failed to do so should consider resigning and seeking re-election. He also defended the party’s decision to expel five Members of Parliament, asserting that the party’s strength relies on unity and discipline among its members.
“ODM must be strong as a political party. It can only be strong when there is discipline. But it cannot progress when there are cases of indiscipline,” Raila added.
The expelled parliamentarians included Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), and Phelix Odiwuor, also known as ‘Jalang’o’ (Lang’ata). Others include Caroli Omondi (Suba South), and Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda.
