By Habil Onyango
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has called on the security to investigate the alleged attempted assassination of Deputy Governor Joseph Oyugi Magwanga on Sunday night.
Wanga said the incident raises concerns about the safety and security of leaders and deserves immediate action.
“I am deeply concerned by reports of an incident involving my Deputy Governor, Hon. Oyugi Magwanga.
I urge our security agencies to move swiftly and impartially to investigate this matter and ensure those responsible are brought to justice,” said the Governor in a statement.
“This incident has come at a time when our county is still mourning the recent loss of Hon. Charles Ong’ondo Were, the Member of Parliament for Kasipul,” added the Governor.
Were was shot dead along Ngong Road in Nairobi on April 31. Police have already arrested several suspects in Ong’ondo’s murder, including his driver, a security officer, a Director of Lake Basin Development Authority, Mr. No Dave Kalo, and a politician, Mr. Philip Aroko.
“I also appeal to the people of Homa Bay to remain calm and united during this difficult time. Let us reject violence in all its forms and stand together for peace, justice, and the rule of law,” added the Governor.
Speaking after the incident, Magwanga urged leaders not to allow politics and leadership disagreements to descend into bloodshed, intimidation, and revenge.
In a press statement to the media, Oyugi wrote,
“Let me be clear, we cannot and must not allow our politics or leadership disagreements to descend into bloodshed, intimidation, and revenge. A society that allows violence to become a tool of resolution is a society on the brink.
Violence begets violence, and if we don’t put a stop to it, the cycle will consume all of us.
Let us choose dialogue over destruction, peace over panic, and unity over ugly division,” he said.
He termed the attack on his vehicle as cowardly but expressed concern that the office he holds and the increasing worrisome trend of political violence, especially targeting leaders in Kasipul Constituency, was alarming and troubling.
Magwanga at the same time called for calm to allow the police to investigate the matter and asked the public to stop speculation.
The DG advised the members of the public to refrain from speculation that could heighten tensions or derail the investigations by the police.
Magwanga’s security details reported the incident at Oyugis Police Station.
In the report, they wrote that on their way home, they spotted two suspicious people hiding in a nearby bush some 300 meters from the Deputy Governor’s home, and when they confronted them, they took off.
This prompted them to shoot at them, but they managed to escape.
“Scene has been combed, but no suspect, and any cartridge case found,” the report read.
