Shun politicians who perpetrate violence in Homa Bay, Mbadi tells parties

The Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has challenged political parties to disown aspirants who perpetrate violence.

Mbadi said the brutal murder of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were was shocking and expressed confidence that the government will ensure justice is served.

“I spoke to President William Ruto and he assured me that justice will prevail over Were’s death,” he said.

Speaking during the burial of his nephew Tom Otieno at Got Adundo Village in Suba South Constituency, he maintained that political parties have the ability to tame violence in the two constituencies.

He said the best strategy political parties can use is to disown the politicians who perpetrate violence.

“Were’s death is likely a political assassination because the level of violence witnessed in Kasipul and Ndhiwa constituencies is alarming. Political parties should start declaring their dissociation with politicians who cause violence publicly, and this will make them learn lessons,” Mbadi said.

The CS challenged politicians to prioritise the interests of the people instead of inciting them to cause violence.

Mbadi said using violence in seeking votes is tantamount to ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/national/article/2001517898/kasipul-mp-ongondo-weres-death-exposes-simmering-war-between-citizens-and-ruling-elite">forcing people to support them<.

“Let our politicians know that it is wrong to kill people in the name of politics. You cannot force people to vote for you. Elections are won by wooing voters, not assaulting them,” he said.

He urged politicians to embrace democracy by respecting the will of the people.

“Let politicians persuade people to vote for them. We must stop this violence in which people use pangas to maim one another,” Mbadi said.

The CS warned the youth against being used by politicians to cause violence.

Kasipul and Ndhiwa constituencies have become a hotbed of political violence in the recent past due to rivalry for the parliamentary seats ahead of the 2027 General Election. 

In Ndhiwa, youth have been maimed in violence pitting politicians eying Ndhiwa parliamentary seat in 2027.