Oburu Denies Sponsoring Homa Bay Violence, Calls for Police Probe

Oburu Denies Sponsoring Homa Bay Violence, Calls for Police Probe

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu Odinga has denied allegations that he or the party sponsored the violence that disrupted a Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay.

The Siaya senator condemned political violence and called on police to complete investigations into the August 16 incident, which left several people injured and caused extensive property damage.

Oburu made the remarks on Thursday, August 27, as Kenya marked the 16th anniversary of the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution.

He said ODM does not support violence or the use of groups to attack political opponents and other citizens.

“As ODM, we do not condone goonism in any form, including but not limited to the hiring, training, and funding of individuals to harm others.”

Oburu said political violence violates constitutional freedoms, including the right of Kenyans to move freely and participate in political activities.

“Such acts infringe on the democratic right of citizens to travel freely across the country.”

His comments came after violence disrupted a Linda Mwananchi rally led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna in Homa Bay.

The August 16 confrontation resulted in deaths, injuries and the destruction of property worth millions of shillings. The incident triggered accusations between political groups, with officials associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement alleging that ODM leaders and local politicians were behind the violence.

Oburu has rejected those allegations, saying ODM does not condone the use of violence to settle political differences.

He urged the National Police Service to investigate the incident and ensure those responsible face the law.

“Therefore, we call upon the police to conduct a thorough investigation and bring the culprits to justice.”

The ODM leader said the Constitution protects Kenyans’ freedom of movement and political participation, adding that those rights should not be restricted because of political disagreements.

“The Constitution explicitly protects our right to freedom of movement and our right to participate in politics.”

Oburu further condemned what he described as attempts to prevent Kenyans from exercising their constitutional freedoms.

“Stopping anyone from exercising these freedoms means infringing upon the very rights we fought so dearly to achieve.”

Police Investigation

The National Police Service has already begun investigations into the Homa Bay violence.

More than 37 suspects have reportedly been arrested in connection with the incident. Police said some of those arrested were found in possession of crude weapons, including machetes, knives and metal rods.

National Police Service spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said investigators were pursuing individuals believed to have participated in the violence.

Police also directed a key suspect accused of organising the group involved in the confrontation to surrender to authorities.

The Homa Bay incident has increased concerns over political violence as parties and political movements begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The controversy has also highlighted growing tensions within Kenya’s opposition political space, where different groups are seeking to build grassroots support.

Oburu maintained that political competition should be conducted within the law and through democratic processes.

He said the government must ensure that political rallies can take place without citizens being threatened or attacked.

The senator’s statement is likely to increase pressure on investigators to establish what happened during the Homa Bay rally, identify those responsible and determine whether any political figures were involved.

For now, the accusations remain contested, with ODM denying involvement and police continuing investigations into the violence.

ALSO READ: Experts Warn of Prolonged Dry Spell Ahead of El Niño Rains

Oburu Denies Sponsoring Homa Bay Violence, Calls for Police Probe