Shame: ODM Governor and MP Change Blows As Raila Watches

ODM leader Raila Odinga was on Sunday forced to intervene and restore order during a rally in Homa Bay County after the area Governor and a Member of Parliament (MP) engaged in a physical fight in his presence.

Trouble began when Homa Bay Governor Cyprian Awiti and Kasipul-Kabondo MP Oyugi Magwanga's supporters began to force their way into the dais at a local stadium. Awiti's supporters shouted that he must be re-elected while those of Magwanga, who has already declared interest in the Governor's seat, said the Governor must go home.

 While the supporters were chanting slogans, an argument ensued between Awiti and the legislator before they pounced on each other with kicks and blows. Matters got worse when Homa Bay Town MP Opondo Kaluma engaged Mr Washington Ogaga, who has vowed to dethrone him of his seat, in a physical battle. Supporters of the fighting leaders hurled stones at them forcing Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma and Homa Bay Woman Representative Gladys Wanga to run for safety.

 It waas rumoured that the fight broke out before Odinga arrived. when Raila finally made his way to the Homa Bay stadium accompanied by Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho, they didn’t stop and continued to wrestle on the podium, the Standard reports.As a result,  the former Prime Minister had a difficult time separating the Governor and the MP before Joho and other leaders helped to stop the fight. Odinga went ahead and took the microphone and pleaded with the crowd to stop the chaos and let the rally continue in peace. 

While confirming the incident, County police boss John Omusanga divulged that they were yet to take action and also make a follow up to know  the number of people injured since no one had recorded a statement with the police. “It is true there was violence during the ODM rally but until a formal is made and statements recorded, then we are unable to act,” Omusanga stated.

Credit:Kenyans.co.ke