ODM Aspirant Killed While Preparing for Nominations

MCA Bombaba Borabu Ward  Aspirant, Thomas Okari
ODM Bombaba Borabu Ward MCA Aspirant, Thomas Okari
FILE

A politician seeking the ODM ticket for the position of Member of County Assembly (MCA) for Bombaba Borabu ward in Kisii County was on Monday morning April 4, killed under mysterious circumstances. 

Thomas Okari, who is also a businessman based in Nairobi, succumbed to injuries he sustained following a late-night attack in his house by unidentified men.

According to a family member, Okari travelled from Nairobi to his rural home on Sunday evening - to prepare for the nominations scheduled for Thursday, April 7. 

MCA Bombaba Borabu Ward Aspirant, Thomas Okari (1).jpg (
ODM's Bombaba Borabu Ward MCA Aspirant, Thomas Okari
Zeddy Makori

A relative told journalists that after his arrival, the aspiring MCA went to his room to rest. Shortly after, his nephew, who was in the house, was awakened by the calls for help from his uncle who was being attacked by the armed men.

Okari was struck on his head using a panga before his attackers made away through the back door of the house. He was later pronounced dead after being rushed to a local hospital in Kisii. 

In a statement posted on his managed social media account, the MCA informed his supporters that he had been hospitalized following an attack.

"I was attacked this morning by unknown people who were after my life. Even in the hospital bed, the spirit of serving my people is unhurt," read the statement in part

His family has claimed foul play in the incident, linking the attack to political reasons. The police have launched investigations into the matter.

Okari's passing was mourned by politicians from the region including Dagoretti North Member of Parliament (MP) Simba Arati, who sent a message of condolences to the people of Bombaba Ward.

"I have this morning learnt of the untimely death of Mr Thomas Ontweka, an aspirant of the MCA seat of Bombaba Ward in Bomachoge Borabu Constituency. I condemn the heinous, cowardly act and urge the police to ensure that the culprits are apprehended to face the full force of law,"Arati stated

His death has been moaned by family and friends who described him as a great leader. They further called on the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) to expedite the probe and bring the perpetrators to book.

"It is a huge loss for the community. We call upon the DCI and Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions  Kenya to conduct thorough investigations into this criminal act. Our sincere condolences to Dennis Ontweka and the family for the loss of your beloved brother," Jared Gekombe wrote.

Undated image of a crime scene
An Image of a police tape on a crime scene
Citizen Digital
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