Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were has said the youth causing chaos in funerals and breaching the peace were not residents of Kasipul constituency but outsiders affiliated to some politicians.
The MP said he has been very keen on these matters in the last six months and he now wants these things to be in the public domain
“Those who bring insecurity to Kasipul constituency are outsiders. The youths involved are not residents of Kasipul constituency,” the MP said
Speaking to journalist at a press conference at his home, Ong’ondo produced a list of youths suspected to be involved in the fracases saying they all come from constituencies outside of Kasipul.
He said the youths, about 12 in number come from Homabay town constituency, Ndhiwa constituency, Rangwe constituency, Karachuonyo constituency and others from Kisii and Nairobi Counties, with some being actively engaged with other politicians.
He called on the police to act to restore order saying where there is peace, citizens enjoyed social economic development which has happened in his constituency since he was elected.
The MP who seemed to accuse a new crop of political aspirants in the constituency as the ones fueling the chaos said he has gone through a trail of election which have all been peaceful.
“In 2017, we were about 9 contestants. We competed well because the campaign was issue- based, and we never noticed any form of violence at all,” he said.
In 2022, he noted, they were about 15 contestants and again observed that the campaign was peaceful too but added that, “in recent days a few things have happened in the constituency”, giving a chronology of attacks that he claimed were targeting him.
“Mid last year, I was attacked in a funeral at Kolando even before I made my speech. The records are with the police and action is in progress because issues which involve political attacks have to go through the process,” he said.
In another incident, the MP said, his V8’s vehicle tire was punctured in Oyugis town and two of his staff sustained knife-cuts but luckily they survived the injuries.
The MP said he reported the incident to the police and the process is on-going.
“Before the latest attack, I went to a funeral in Got Nyango where after the funeral, the road was blocked and I could not pass. Luckily, I had the security details in tow that saved the situation,” the MP said.
He said the following day in a funeral in Nyatindo where his supporters and those of his competitor Philiph Aroko clashed, immediately he arrived, before even prayers were offered, one man shouted that I should not be allowed to speak in the funeral angering the mourners and what followed is now with the investigative agencies and “I don’t want to address it”.
Rachuonyo South Police Commander Philiph Saera confirmed that incidences of attack have been reported saying the DPP has already recommended action on some of the cases.
He however said in some instances, youths allied to both political leaders have been found culpable in causing the clashes.
Ong’ondo accused some unnamed leaders of commenting about issues in Kasipul constituency and yet they don’t come from the area and asked them to keep off.
“If you have any information on this fracas, the best thing to do is to walk to the police station and give a report,” he said.
Ong’ondo urged other political aspirants to seek for votes peacefully and desist from using force.
On Thursday, elders in East Kamagak ward called for peace and cessation of premature political campaigns to ensure residents get needed services as promised before the last general election.
The elders lamented that there was heightened political activities with political chaos dominating in funerals as if election was in the next day.
Tobias Odero, an elder and former chief called for peace and condemned political chaos at funerals saying a lot of disruptions have been going on even in burial ceremonies giving bereaved families a hard time as they tried to bury their loved ones.
He requested that the chaos come to an end to have peace and development in the area and Kasipul constituency at large saying it was not yet time for campaigns.
“Let those who were elected to do their work diligently and those that are coming to seek seats for the coming elections halt their campaigns for a while for there will be time for campaigns,” he said.
Odero urged the aspirants to conduct themselves in a manner that creates a peaceful environment for everyone as no meaningful development would come without peace.
The elder said this is the time for development not for fighting and urged the current leaders to continue with the good work in serving the people.
By Moseti Julius
