ODM Party Condemns Violence in Kasipul, Calls for Urgent Action by Security Agencies
PHOTO: Gladys Wanga, ODM National Chairperson
HOMA BAY, Kenya, Nov 7 – The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party has strongly condemned the escalating acts of violence being witnessed in Kasipul Constituency ahead of the upcoming by-election, on the 27th of this month.
In a statement issued by the party they said that they are deeply disturbed by reports that a peaceful voter engagement by our candidate, Hon. Boyd Were, was violently disrupted yesterday by goons associated with one of the candidates.
The attackers stormed the venue, destroyed property, and endangered the safety of residents; unfortunately resulting in loss of lives and leaving behind fear and tension among the community.
“This is not an isolated incident, During the recent Women Empowerment Programme in Sikri, several vehicles belonging to supporters of our candidate were vandalized and the women attending the event were harassed and injured”, reads the statement.
Despite such intense provocation, our party and candidate have consistently maintained peace and decorum, choosing dialogue over confrontation. ODM said that they will not be intimidated by acts of lawlessness aimed at derailing a free, fair, and peaceful election in Kasipul.
“The people of Kasipul deserve the right to choose their leader without fear, intimidation and coercion”.
They therefore called upon security agencies to act swiftly and decisively and bring to book perpetrators and financiers of these acts of violence.
Urge the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to ensure a level playing ground for all candidates.
Appeal to all candidates and our supporters to conduct themselves peacefully and refrain from inflammatory utterances and actions that threaten peace during this campaign period and beyond.
“ODM remains firmly committed to peaceful campaigns and democratic ideals that respect the will of the people. We also call upon our supporters to remain calm, peaceful, and focused on our ideals of unity and democracy even in the face of provocation”.
