KISII, Kenya, Jan 12 – The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has given Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome a 14-day ultimatum to transfer the Kisii County Commander and take action against the perpetrators of the violence in a rally attended by Governor Simba Arati.
The party’s Secretary General Edwin Sifuna further demanded that South Mugirango Member of Parliament Sylvanus Osoro records a statement over the incident.
“Such a brazen attack could happen in a country supposedly run in accordance with the rule of law is beyond comprehension. This incident was reported at KIsii Central Police Station under OB No. 107/8/1/2024 at 18:11HRs,” Sifuna stated.
The incident occurred as Arati was distributing bursaries on Monday this week.
While he was addressing the public, the meeting was disrupted with gun shots and teargas, several people were left with injuries as he ran for his life.
Addressing the press outside Kisii DCI office, Sifuna said he had come to make to see the progress if those who disrupted Governor Arati’s meeting in south Mugirango had recorded statements including police officers and area MP Sylvanus Osoro.
Sifuna also highlited the past event in South Mugirango where governor Arati was attacked while attending a burial ceremony in the same constituency.
He noted the life of Arati is in danger and those responsible are the police and MP Osoro and if the police will not give security to Governor Arati then the residents will do it.
“We take this opportunity to condemn in the strongest possible terms the actions of Hon Osoro and the police and demand as follows,” he said.
The SG demanded action to be taken by the IG against the officers identified in the attack and be interdicted as they await their date with Justice.
He noted actions must happen within the next 14 days failing which the Party will pursue other avenues to ensure law and order in Kisii.
“In the meantime wish to state that should any harm come to the Party’s national chair person as a result of any subsequent attack against him, the persons named here including Hon Osoro, Charles Kesses, and the IG of Police will be held personally responsible.”
