Kisumu leaders have challenged former Makadara MP Ruben Ndolo to explain reports that groups of men were transported from different parts of the country, including Kisumu, Busia and Luanda.
The reports have raised concerns over possible political violence during events marking the first anniversary of the death of former ODM leader Raila Odinga.
Led by former Kondele Ward MCA Gabriel Ochieng, the leaders, including serving and former Kisumu county assembly members, called on Ndolo and his Linda Wananchi associates on Monday to clarify the alleged mobilisation and disclose who financed the transport.
Speaking to journalists in Kisumu, Ochieng said the reports raised questions about who organised the movement of the men, their intended purpose and the potential threat to public safety.
He said it was contradictory for political actors to accuse the government and ODM leaders of organising violence while making statements that appeared to suggest the mobilisation of groups capable of causing similar unrest.
“We believe these claims demand clear and honest explanation of who mobilised these individuals, who financed their transportation, and what was their intended mission,” the leaders said in a statement read by Ochieng.
The leaders also questioned allegations by Ndolo and his allies that the government had been deploying goons against them. They said all claims of political violence should be backed by evidence and investigated impartially.
They urged Ndolo and his Linda Wananchi colleagues to explain the reported remarks about bringing individuals from Kisumu, Busia and Luanda.
The leaders said allegations of mobilising groups for political activities should not be dismissed as political rhetoric, arguing that such actions could be intended to intimidate opponents or disrupt public gatherings.
They called on the National Police Service to investigate credible reports of planned violence and hold those found responsible to account, regardless of their political affiliations.
“Political competition must be conducted through ideas, persuasion and peaceful engagement, not intimidation, violence or mobilisation of gangs,” the statement said.
The leaders also warned politicians against making unsubstantiated accusations that could heighten tensions, undermine public confidence in institutions and fuel hostility.
Ochieng said political differences should be resolved through dialogue and democratic processes rather than intimidation or violence.
He added that no political faction should be exempt from scrutiny while accusing its rivals of wrongdoing.
The leaders called for transparency from all political actors, saying investigations should be guided by evidence and individual responsibility rather than political loyalties.
“Kenya belongs to all of us. No political ambition is worth the blood of an innocent Kenyan,” the statement said.
They reaffirmed their commitment to peace, accountability, the rule of law and responsible leadership, urging politicians and their supporters to reject violence regardless of who was involved.
The statement was issued on behalf of serving and former Kisumu MCAs and other county leaders, with Ochieng leading calls for clarification and impartial investigations.
The leaders said protecting lives and ensuring peaceful political participation should remain a priority as the country navigates competing political interests.
Leave a comment