Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna now claims police officers fired gunshots at Kisii Governor Simba Arati’s bursary event, causing a stampede and injuries to attendees.
In a statement, Sifuna claimed that Arati’s life was in danger, following a series of attacks and disruptions caused by people he alleged were affiliated with the government.
“On 8th January 2024, as the governor went about issuing bursary forms in Nyakembene in the same ward in South Mugirango, armed men stormed the meeting with gunshots rending the air. Many people were injured in the resulting stampede. Some including the Governor’s security detail suffered gunshot wounds. It turned out the gunmen were in fact, Police officers,” Sifuna stated.
“One of the officers captured firing at the crowd with an AK-47 rifle was identified as Kevin Langat of force number 260865. He is a Police Constable attached to Mr Osoro. Others are Simon Murithi of force number 119319 and Peter Muge of force number 239197 all stationed at Nyanchwa Police Station. It is suspected that Kevin Lagat has been transferred to Parliament Police Station since the incident.”
Sifuna faults Osoro
Sifuna accuses South Mugirango MP Sylvanus Osoro of orchestrating the attacks against the governor, with allegations that he led goons to attack people during a burial at Boikanga Ward in Kisii on June 6, 2023.
“On 6th June 2023 Hon Arati was attending the funeral of the father to Paul Okombo Ayiema the MCA for Boikanga Ward in South Mugirango area when area MP Sylvanus Osoro unleashed violence with his goons shooting arrows at mourners in full glare of the Police. Governor Arati who was the target of this attack was safely evacuated by his security team. This incident was reported at Nyamarambe Police station. To date no one of the known culprits has been brought to book,” Sifuna.
According to Sifuna, police in Kisii are now planning a diversionary raid on the governor’s residence in the guise of searching for firearms.
The opposition party is now demanding the transfer of Kisii County Commander Charles Kases and action taken against the officers who caused the commotion.
Sifuna said they have given the government 14 days to take action, of the party will pursue different avenues to ensure “calm”.
“The Independent Police Oversight Authority must immediately commence investigations into the abuse of police power in Kisii County,” Sifuna stated.
“All these 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 national chairperson as a result of any subsequent attack against him, the persons named here including Hon Osoro, Charles Keses, and the IG of Police will be held personally responsible.”
Osoro has however distanced himself from the chaos witnessed at Arati’s event, terming the drama as a ploy by the governor to gain political sympathy.
“It’s an unfortunate scene. We need to be politically tolerant and understand that campaigns are very far,” he said.
Police are yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.
