ODM Secretary General Catherine Omanyo. /FILEThe Orange Democratic Movement has condemned the violence that disrupted Linda Mwananchi's political rally in Homa Bay on Sunday, calling for those found responsible to face the law as the death toll rose to four.
In a statement on Tuesday, ODM Secretary General Catherine Omanyo called for political tolerance and expressed concern over the chaos witnessed during the rally organised by the party's splinter group.
ODM condemned what it described as “hooliganism, thuggery and violence”, saying the party recognises every Kenyan's right to assemble and freely express their political views.
“No political gathering, whatever its organisers, objectives or message, should become an occasion for violence, intimidation or the disruption of the rights and livelihoods of citizens,” the party said.
The statement came two days after violence broke out as the Linda Mwananchi faction, led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, toured the county as part of grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The clashes disrupted political activities, with vehicles attacked and roads barricaded with stones.
Journalists covering the events were also assaulted and their equipment reportedly stolen.
ODM said it was particularly concerned about the loss of lives and injuries suffered by security officers and civilians.
The party condoled the family of a police officer who died during the violence and listed 10 other officers and 24 civilians as having sustained injuries.
ODM extended its sympathies to the families of those who died or sustained injuries, wishing those injured a speedy recovery.
"We also sympathise with individuals and businesses whose property was damaged or destroyed," Omanyo said, extending the sympathies to victims who were yet to be identified.
The latest police update on Tuesday put the death toll at four, up from two reported earlier.
Police had initially said those killed included a police officer attached to the Nyando police command and a Ugandan woman who was allegedly run over by a speeding vehicle during the chaos.
The party reiterated its commitment to peaceful political competition, saying differences should be resolved through democratic engagement, persuasion and ultimately through the ballot.
“ODM will never support, encourage or tolerate violence as a means of acquiring, exercising or retaining political leadership,” the party said.
It also warned against individuals or groups invoking the party's name to justify violence, intimidation or lawlessness.
The party called on security and investigative agencies to conduct prompt, impartial and professional investigations into the circumstances surrounding the violence.
ODM said those found responsible for criminal acts should face the law regardless of their political affiliation or status.
“At the same time, innocent citizens must be protected from arbitrary blame, harassment or collective punishment,” the party said.
The call comes as investigations into the Homa Bay violence get underway. The National Cohesion and Integration Commission said it had begun the process of summoning political actors over the incident.
ODM urged political leaders, parties, caucuses and their supporters to exercise restraint as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Omanyo said political competition should not degenerate into confrontation between communities, neighbours or supporters of rival political formations.
“Kenya's democratic space belongs to all its citizens, and political competition must never be allowed to degenerate into confrontation between communities, neighbours or supporters of competing political formations,” she said.
ODM said it remained committed to a Kenya where citizens could attend political meetings without fear, political organisations could peacefully present their ideas and elections were determined by the will of voters rather than violence.
