Deputy Party Leader Ali Hassan Joho was among those questioned over the chaos that saw one of his bodyguards suffer a bullet wound/COURTESY
NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 10 – Three Governors, two Members of Parliament and a former Member of Parliament on Monday appeared before the ODM Disciplinary Committee following chaotic scenes that rocked their rallies.
Nominated Senator Elizabeth Ongoro and Ruaraka MP T.J Kajwang were the first into the boardroom to respond to counter allegations that they have been organizing youths to disrupt each other’s public meetings.
Ongoro urged the Orange Party to do more to protect women candidates while Kajwang accused his competitor of pegging her entire campaign on the “woman card”.
“I was attacked by hired goons in my own meeting with women… that is the truth. What we need to know is who hired them and why they sent them; I have been filing reports with the party since September and I now want to see what they will do,” she said.
On his part Kajwang claimed that Ongoro was only playing to the gallery.
“There is a gender danger in this country. Men are in danger because members of the other gender would do anything and everybody seems to think that it is the man who is fighting and many of us (men) don’t speak in our houses when we are attacked. That is the truth,” Kajwang charged.
Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong appeared before the disciplinary team and said his competitor Paul Otuoma, currently the Funyula MP, should be held responsible for what transpired during a public rally in Busia Town which led to the death of one person and left scores of others with injuries.
“There was a feeling at the party headquarters that maybe my supporters and the supporters of my opponent were engaged in acts of violence but I wanted to put it straight that we are not the aggressors but the victims. I have brought evidence showing my people were attacked,” he said.
Migori Governor Okoth Obado and former Migori MP John Pesa were the last to appear before the team as they sought to shake off culpability of the violence that rocked an ODM Rally in the town after supporters of Obado and Migori gubernatorial aspirant Ochillo Ayacko clashed.
“I have never been violent in all my campaigns and I cannot associate myself with any form of violence. I have always been advocating for a very strong, united and peaceful ODM family and that will be my prayer each and every day,” added the Migori Governor.
Joho’s bodyguard was shot and injured during the chaotic ODM rally in Migori.
In trouble ensued when youths, believed to be Migori Governor Obado’s supporters stormed the function disrupting the proceedings.
Stones and water bottles were hurled at the ODM leaders, forcing them to scamper to safety.
This forced members of Obado’s security detail to fire in the air. A bullet went through a VIP seat in an area where dignitaries were seated.
Mombasa Governor and ODM Deputy Party Leader Ali Joho who also appeared before the ODM disciplinary team maintained that nobody will be spared if found to be involved in such ugly incidents.
“Violence will not be tolerated and if you dare take that route, just know that action will be taken. Let this serve as a warning to everyone,” said Governor Joho.
ODM’s Disciplinary Committee chairman Fred Athuok said the exercise is set to continue with 10 ODM leaders including, Senators James Orengo, Anyang Nyong’o and MP Junet Mohamed among others expected to honour the summons.
He has cautioned aspirants against acts of violence and incitement during this period that the party is preparing for primaries.
Athuok noted the board will not hesitate to take a stern action against perpetrators of violence which she says is tainting the image of the party.
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