Politicians warned against disrupting ODM rallies in western
ODM leader Raila Odinga with his entourage arrive at Adungosi centre in Busia county on July 21, 2016. PHOTO | TOM OTIENO | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Mr Odinga is expected in Matungu and Mumias sub-counties for a series of rallies on Friday before winding up his five-day tour of the region.
- Mr Ombati said any attempt to cause commotion in the planned meetings was criminal and those involved would be dealt with.
Police have warned politicians planning to hire youths to disrupt ODM rallies on the final day of Opposition leader Raila Odinga’s tour of Western Kenya.
Mr Odinga is expected in Matungu and Mumias sub-counties for a series of rallies on Friday before winding up his five-day tour of the region.
Western region police Chief Moses Ombati said officers will be deployed to ensure peace prevails at the rallies.
He, however, did not give names of the said politicians but added their activities were being closely monitored.
Mr Ombati said any attempt to cause commotion in the planned meetings was criminal and those involved would be dealt with.
He said the politicians were planning to hire goons from different parts of the county to heckle leaders.
“Anybody including politicians attempting to disrupt the rallies will face the full force of the law. We have received disturbing information on the plans and we are not taking matters lightly,” said Mr Ombati.
He spoke at a press briefing in Kakamega town.
Mr Odinga started his tour of western Kenya in Vihiga county where he addressed a series or rallies before moving to Busia county where spent two days.
The former Prime Minister is in the region in a spirited campaign to stop his supporters from leaving to other parties.
Mr Odinga who is on a five day tour of western region, is going around in a convoy of dozens of fuel guzzlers escorted by an unusually large team of police officers.
The ODM leader’s visit into the area comes in the wake of the resignation of Mr Ababu Namwamba from the post of secretary-general as well Funyula MP Paul Otuoma as national vice-chairman.
Bishop Beneah Salalah Okumu of the Mumias Anglican diocese said it was disappointing that Mr Odinga had failed to address serious issues affecting the economy and livelihoods of communities in western.
“We expect Mr Odinga to come up with a serious transformative agenda for communities in the region instead of traversing the region making empty promises to residents to win votes,” said the cleric.
