Ugunja: The By-election Campaign Attended by Gladys Wanga Turned Chaotic, Bullets Borne

• The Ugunja by-election campaign turned violent as ODM chairman Gladys Wanga campaigned for Moses Omondi
• Gunshots and fighting were reported, with at least one person shot and others injured during the event on Thursday, November 20
• Some candidates accused Wanga of inciting the political violence seen earlier in Kasipul, Homa Bay

Siaya: The Ugunja by-election campaign ahead of the August 27 by-election turned violent on Thursday, November 20, as tensions rose.

National Chairman of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Gladys Wangaarrived in the state to convince ODM candidate Moses Omondi, and get many people to support him.

It should be noted that several senior ODM leaders from Siaya county, including the local governor, James Orengodid not attend the event.

Was violence witnessed during the ODM campaigns in Ugunja?

Despite the large turnout, the rally turned violent, with gunshots being reported and at least one person being shot, while others were injured in the ensuing scuffle.

Also read

Boyd Were’s mother helped her son to campaign, asked the people of Kasipul to elect her son

Many reports online indicated that the conflict started when the crowd, which had gathered to receive aid, became restless.

The heightened tension allegedly led to gunshots and physical fights.

Pictures that TUKO.co.ke viewed showed people who were bleeding profusely and others being rushed to the hospital in what appeared to be an ambulance.

Part of the leaders in the next referendum condemned the violence.

Candidates for the Ugunja by-election condemning the violence

They said that Ugunja had maintained a largely peaceful campaign until Wanga and his ODM team arrived.

A representative from the Wiper Patriotic Front candidate, Orodi Odhiambo, accused the Homa Bay governor of inciting violence in political campaigns, referring to previous incidents in Kasipul.

“This is the culture he is defending; a culture full of bloodshed and indifference to human life. Now he wants to spread the same behavior of political violence in Ugunja. Let it be known that the people of Ugunja will not accept it,” the statement read.

Also read

Kenyan Newspapers: Tensions rise over ODM as Raila’s family allegedly rejects Oburu

Lilian Aketch, another candidate in the by-poll, also condemned the acts of violence.

He described them as illegal, irresponsible, and a violation of the rights and safety of the residents of Ugunja.

“No political contest justifies harming residents or trying to intimidate voters. Elections are a democratic exercise, not a battlefield. The people of Ugunja must be free to express their wishes without fear, coercion, or distraction,” he wrote on Facebook.

What caused the great unrest in Kasipul?

The violence in Ugunja comes weeks after Kasipul was rocked by renewed tension ahead of the November 27 by-election.

Two supporters linked to independent candidate Philip Aroko died after the attack, adding to a long-running political feud in the region.

It is reported that the victims were on their way to a campaign event in Nyandiwa when they were arrested, leading to a conflict with Boyd Were’s camp.

A few days later, security officers who were tracking the suspects were attacked while trying to arrest them, while the people reportedly fled to the home of the late Ongondo Were MP.Read ENGLISH VERSION

Do you have an exciting story that you would like us to publish? Please contact us via news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690.

Source: TUKO.co.ke