By Reporter
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has distanced itself from the goons who allegedly attacked Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi in Kisumu on Wednesday and injured him, and wants them arrested and prosecuted.
ODM has stated the youths have never been members of the party and in the previous regime were allied to the Jubilee Party and currently work for a different political formation.
“The reputation of the party should not be dragged into political thuggery and violence witnessed in Kisumu, and those involved should carry their own cross,” the statement read.
The party warned that anybody trying to drive a wedge between its members and the neighboring community over the incident must be called out, as it is far from the truth.
ODM said the unity between the Luo and Luhya communities has existed for decades and any attempts to bring division will be rejected at all cost.
The party’s acting Secretary General, Catherine Omanyo, condemned the incident and wants the Inspector General of Police to investigate and prosecute the perpetrators of this heinous act.
She said ODM is united and any attempts to divide it through such machinations will not succeed.
“ODM allows and propagates freedom of speech and association. We are a democratic party and allow divergent views. Where we do not agree with them fully, we still respect their opinion in the spirit of freedom of association as embedded in the constitution,” she said.
The party appealed for calm among the two communities and the political leaders as the police carry out investigations.
Omanyo also appealed to party leaders to refrain from giving alarming statements to allow the police to undertake investigations.
Various leaders have condemned the attack on Osotsi in Kisumu on Wednesday by goons, who sustained serious injuries and was admitted at Aga Khan Hospital before he was later flown to Karen Hospital in Nairobi.
Osotsi, in his press statement, said the incident should not be used to stigmatize the region as it was an isolated incident.
ODM said Kisumu is a peaceful city and the isolated case of thuggery should not be used to undermine investment.
Fingers have been pointed at a political youth for having masterminded the attack on the Senator.
Police have called for calm as they investigate the attack and have promised to arrest the culprits.
