Goons storm Gem ODM office, bar officials from meeting

Siaya, Wednesday, 17, May, 2023

KNA by Philip Onyango

Hired goons stormed the Gem constituency Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) offices scuttling a meeting that was about to start forcing the officials to seek an alternative venue of their meeting at the last minute.

A standoff ensued, as the party officials, drawn from the constituency’s six wards engaged the youths who accused the ODM leaders of organizing a meeting to undermine a local political leader.

As the impasse threatened to get out of hand, a contingent of anti-riot police who were on standby moved in to restore order and after consultations, the officials moved to a different venue.

Addressing the media after the meeting, Gem ODM branch chairman, Nick Ochola condemned the incident, saying that it was improper for leaders who had ditched the party to hire goons to undermine the party.

Ochola said that they sensed that all was not well when they arrived in the office, situated at Wagai trading centre only to realize that some arsonists had attempted to set it ablaze.

“The entrance to the office had been burnt by unknown assailants” said the chairman adding that several plastic chairs were also burnt inside the office.

As they were pondering what to do next, said Ochola, a group of goons stormed the meeting, forcing a standoff.

The chairman said that they reported the attempted arson and the storming of their meeting to the police and expressed hope that the security officers will take action against the suspects, some of whom he said are known.

Ochola said that no amount of intimidation will stop ODM grassroots officials from undertaking their functions to popularize and strengthen the party in the constituency.

He called for political tolerance in the area, adding that the Orange party was aware that some of its former members defected to UDA and have been conducting their meetings and even recruitment in the area but have never been interfered with.

“They have been having their meetings and even conducting recruitment drives here and we have never bothered them” he said.

West Gem ward Member of the County Assembly, Susan Okwiri called for political tolerance, adding that the emerging trend of political violence in the constituency must cease.

She called on Gem constituency leaders to be focused in uniting the local residents towards development instead of causing division.

Gem constituency ODM youth leader, Odera Isaac Otieno lamented that some leaders were still using youths to fight and maim innocent citizens.

“We elected you with hope that you will provide good leadership and we feel bad that some of you are misusing the youth to cause chaos” said Otieno.

 Courtesy; K.N.A