Kirinyaga Woman Representative Maina Njeri/COURTERSY
Kirinyaga Woman Representative Maina Njeri has called for the arrest and prosecution of those behind violence meted out against supporters of the Linda Mwananchi movement in Homa Bay.
Speaking during a church service at PCEA Rev Samuel Marima Memorial Church in Gatundu South, Kiambu County, Njeri urged the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) chair, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to investigate the violence and take appropriate action.
“We have seen what has happened in Homa Bay, where members of Linda Mwananchi have been attacked, with some hospitalised and others reportedly killed. I am calling on the authorities to investigate those behind these attacks and ensure they face the law,” Njeri said.
Njeri also accused a senior politician from the Nyanza region of making inflammatory remarks and demanded action from state actors, including the NCIC, DCI and ODPP.
She questioned what she described as differences in the way authorities respond to political violence and inflammatory statements by political leaders.
“I am asking the NCIC, the DPP and the DCI: when other leaders make polarising remarks, you are quick to take action and arrest them within 24 hours. Those behind the violence in Homa Bay should also be investigated and brought to justice,” she said.
Njeri also challenged NCIC Chair Bishop Dr Kepha Nyamweya Omae to act on the matter, saying authorities should investigate the incidents and establish those responsible.
“Let me tell the NCIC chair, who is a bishop, to do what you are supposed to do. Those behind the violence against Linda Mwananchi supporters should be investigated and, where there is sufficient evidence, presented before a court,” she said.
Njeri cited Article 27(1) of the Constitution, which provides that every person is equal before the law and has the right to equal protection and equal benefit of the law.
“We want those behind the violence against Linda Mwananchi supporters to be investigated and brought to account,” she said.
The remarks come amid heightened political tensions in Homa Bay as the Linda Mwananchi movement prepares to hold political rallies in the county as part of efforts to build support for an opposition campaign targeting President William Ruto.
The movement is being fronted by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Siaya Governor James Orengo and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, among other leaders.
The planned rallies have faced disruptions, with rowdy youths reportedly blocking sections of roads leading to Homa Bay town, where the group was scheduled to hold a series of meetings.
The developments have raised concerns over the safety of political gatherings in the county, with leaders calling on security agencies to ensure political activities are conducted peacefully.
Njeri’s call for action comes amid wider concerns over political violence and the need for security agencies to hold accountable those responsible for attacks during political rallies and campaigns.
