The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) on Monday summoned both elected and nominated politicians who were present at two functions over the weekend that ended in chaos including the lobbying of teargas cannisters by police officers.
In a statement, the party communicated that the politicians are required to report and explain their role if any in fueling the violence that erupted.
The leaders are expected to report to the party’s headquarters Chungwa House on Wednesday, May 8.
“Via this statement, the party here-by summons all elected and nominated ODM leaders present at these two functions to appear before the party leadership at 10:00 am on Wednesday, May 8th 2024, at the party headquarters (Chungwa House) to explain their role, if any, in these unfortunate events”, read the statement in part.
Additionally, the party has faulted the local politicians for colluding with the police to stage the protests in the two separate events.
“We condemn in the strongest terms possible, the use of police to instigate violence at the behest of politicians”.
“The democratic gains made by this nation in the last three decades guarantee the rights, freedoms, and privileges enshrined in the constitution, which rights align with the reforms that morphed the police force into a service,” stated ODM.
Further, the party urged the Inspector General of Police to launch a probe into the matter and educate the police officers on their conduct within such events.
ODM stated that it had obtained footage of a funeral event held on Friday in Migori allegedly proving that the police and the local politicians had premeditated the chaos.
During the Friday afternoon incident, two people were injured including a nine-year-old boy.
Similarly on Sunday, during a church service which has held in Bomachage-Borabu, Kisii County, chaos erupted forcing police to lob teargas at the congregation.
The party, in its statement, accused UDA politicians for their alleged involvement in the chaos. The Raila Odinga-led party claimed that the politicians from the ruling party took advantage of their proximity to power to instigate the chaos.
