By Habil Onyango
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) grassroots party election in Homa Bay County turned violent after two people sustained serious injuries.
In Ndhiwa Constituency, two youths sustained serious injuries following a violent confrontation between factions in the ODM ward grassroots elections.
Elaine Omondi (25) had his left wrist chopped off using a machete while David Oluoch sustained deep cuts on the neck and a fractured left arm after being attacked by hired goons at Buche Primary School, where the exercise was ongoing.
According to the Ndhiwa Police Commander, John Losia, the incident took place in the morning after youths believed not to be from Ndhiwa arrived in an unmarked vehicle and caused chaos.
The Officer said the alleged “hired goons” were, however, overpowered by the delegates and the locals before unleashing the attack on the two.
“Some youths who were hired from outside Ndhiwa constituency arrived at Buche Primary School with an intention to disrupt the event.”
“They were, however, overpowered by the delegates and the locals who were present before attacking the two youths, causing them serious injuries,” he said.
The officer, however, said that the youths later escaped to an unknown destination, and no arrest was made.
“This is a political matter and I do not want to be engaged in, my mandate is to protect and keep peace,” he said.
He appealed to the party supporters to carry out the exercise peacefully, saying there is no need for violence.
The two were rushed to Ndhiwa Sub County Hospital for medication before being transferred to Homa Bay Teaching and Referral Hospital for further medical attention.
Officer in charge of Ndhiwa Sub County Hospital, Dr. Nikodemus Odundo, confirmed the two were brought to the hospital while profusely bleeding.
“We were able to stabilize their situation before they were transferred to Homa Bay level four hospitals.“
“One of the patient’s left wrist was chopped off, while the other had a deep cut on the neck and a broken left arm, however, we managed to control the bleeding before referring them to HTRH for further medication,” he said.
The party was conducting countrywide ward elections today (Monday) to elect delegates who will participate in the Constituency grassroots elections scheduled for 9 April 2024.
Meanwhile, Homa Bay Deputy Governor Joseph Oyugi Magwanga has called on party supporters to carry out a peacefully exercise, saying there was no need to cause violence as this will tarnish the party’s good name.
Magwanga said there is no need to shed someone’s blood in the name of grassroots elections, adding that the party needs everyone’s support ahead of the forthcoming elections.
Magwanga spoke at Nyandiwa Primary School polling, West Kamagak, Kasipul Constituency, where he went to participate in the exercise.
“As a party, we do not want a situation where we lose lives or sustain injuries in our elections. I want to call upon our supporters to maintain peace during the exercise as we build a strong foundation towards the 2027 general elections,” he said.
