ODM Party Summons MPs Linked To Chaos In Migori And Kisii For Investigation

• ODM secretary general Edwin Sifuna condemned the MPs' actions, urging the police to aid in the investigation
• According to him, the cops colluded with some local politicians to cause chaos at the two events, which saw police lobby teargas
• Sifuna suggested that the police should be trained in their mandates to stop them from involving themselves in political activities

Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has announced intentions to discipline its MPs implicated in disturbances in Migori and Kisii counties.

The party's secretary general, Edwin Sifuna, has called upon all elected and nominated lawmakers present during the events to report to party headquarters on Wednesday, May 8 at 10am.

Sifuna, also the Nairobi senator, condemned the MPs for their reported disruptions of burial and church ceremonies in the affected counties.

"The party here-by summons all the elected and nominated present at these two functions to appear before the party leadership at 10am on Wednesday, May 8 at Chungwa House to explain their roles if any in these unfortunate events," said Sifuna.

In both cases, the police had to resort to using tear gas to calm the situation.

Sifuna calls for police training on mandates

According to Sifuna, the Migori "attack was coordinated and synchronised through collusions by some local politicians and the police".

While denouncing the attack, the politician called on Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome to probe why the police used tear gas on peaceful assemblies, disturbing the tranquillity of the events.

"We condemn, in the strongest terms possible, the use of police to instigate violence at the behest of politicians. We ask the Inspector General of Police to thoroughly investigate the circumstances under which the police lobbed teargas at mourners and bring all culprits to book," he advised.

Furthermore, the fierce lawmaker suggested that police officers should be trained to understand that their role does not include acting as jurors in political party activities and rhetoric.

Chaos erupts in Kisii church as MPs clash

On Sunday, May 5, Azimio and UDA politicians who were invited for a fundraiser at Makonde PAG church in Borabu Constituency clashed during the service.

The chaos erupted three times causing police to use tear gas to calm the situation before the event proceeded.

The clergy denounced the politician's actions and urged those who were not willing to contribute to the event to leave.

Proofreading by Otukho Jackson, a multimedia journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke