A section of ODM MPs led by Homa Bay MP Opondo Kaluma when they addressed a press conference on Homa Bay chaos at Parliament buildings on TuesdayODM has called on the police to thoroughly investigate the chaos witnessed in Homa Bay before assigning blame, warning against dragging innocent people into the unrest.
The ODM party spoke hours after the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) summoned Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, one of its ardent supporters, over alleged incitement.
Kaluma and ODM chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga have been accused of planning the chaos that rocked the county on Sunday.
Both leaders, however, have denied the allegations. They have distanced themselves from the violence and accused the Linda Mwanachi team of inciting it.
The Orange party on Tuesday said accusations should not be treated as facts before investigators establish what happened, who was responsible and whether there was any organised plan.
ODM Acting Secretary General Catherine Omanyo, in a statement, said investigative authorities must be given time to conduct a thorough probe before naming individuals.
“Innocent citizens must be protected from arbitrary blame, harassment or collective punishment,” Omanyo said.
The ODM leadership said the allegations should be subjected to scrutiny through the appropriate investigative and legal processes rather than political speculation.
“ODM calls upon the relevant security and investigative agencies to conduct a prompt, impartial and professional investigation into the circumstances surrounding the violence,” she noted.
“Those responsible for criminal acts must be identified and dealt with strictly in accordance with the law, irrespective of their political affiliation or status.”
Omanyo also distanced ODM from the chaos, saying the party would never condone acts of hooliganism, thuggery or violence such as those witnessed in Homa Bay on Sunday.
“ODM will never support, encourage or tolerate violence as a means of acquiring, exercising or retaining political leadership,” Omanyo said.
“Equally, no individual or group should invoke the name of our party to justify acts of violence, intimidation or lawlessness.”
The call comes amid growing political tension, with rival ODM political camps trading accusations over Sunday’s chaos, which left two people dead, scores injured and a trail of destruction.
In Parliament, a group of ODM MPs led by Kaluma accused former President Uhuru Kenyatta of funding the rally and called for his investigation.
“This is a serious matter where we are even calling for investigations of the former President of Kenya,” the Homa Bay Town MP said.
“We demand investigations and action by the state security apparatus of the funding and support to the Linda Mwananchi group by President Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta and Rigathi Gachagua.”
Kaluma also accused the police of working with Linda Mwananchi’s ‘goons’ and protecting them during the Homa Bay chaos.
The lawmaker called for the transfer of top security officials in the region, accusing them of working with politicians against locals.
“We demand immediate transfer from Homa Bay of the Nyanza Regional Police Commandant and all the officers who aided the meting of violence upon our people,” he said.
Meanwhile, the NCIC has summoned Kaluma in connection with remarks the commission is examining following a public gathering in Homa Bay county.
In a summons dated August 17, 2026, the commission directed Kaluma to appear before its offices at Britam Towers in Nairobi on Wednesday, August 19, at 10am to assist with ongoing investigations.
According to NCIC, the remarks were reportedly made on or about August 15 in Homa Bay county. They are being examined under the National Cohesion and Integration Act, which mandates the commission to promote national unity and guard against hate speech, negative ethnicity, racism and religious intolerance.
“Pursuant thereto, you are hereby summoned to appear before the commission situated at Britam Towers, Upper Hill, on the 17th Floor on Wednesday 19th August 2026 at 10am to assist the commission with the ongoing investigations.”
The commission said the statements it is examining were reportedly made in Dholuo.
“Penal Notice: Take notice that failure to appear in person at the aforementioned place, date, and time will lead to warrants of arrest being issued for your arrest and production before the Commission and/or the institution of criminal and/or contempt proceedings against you,” NCIC said.
INSTANT ANALYSIS
The Orange party on Tuesday said accusations should not be treated as facts before investigators have established what happened, who was responsible and whether there was any organised plan behind the unrest.
