ODM condemns night attack on Turkana ward candidate

An eight-year-old child of an ODM candidate in a ward by-election in Turkana County is fighting for life after suspected goons attacked their family Tuesday night and left a bullet lodged inches from the child’s heart, the party said Wednesday.

Kalokol Ward ODM aspirant Josephat Ekeno’s family home was attacked and two of his children shot and seriously injured.

The attackers had also stormed the ODM command centre in the ward and fired several shots in the air before heading to Mr Ekeno’s home, party secretary-general Agnes Zani said in a statement Wednesday.

“These are not only acts of intolerance but also a threat to the lives of citizens. That this happened under the Jubilee regime that constantly reassures Kenyans of their security yet such intimidation and use of force continues unabated,” Dr Zani said in the statement sent to newsrooms.

Mr Ekeno’s eight-year-old child was shot and a bullet was lodged just a few centimetres from the heart.

Dr Zani said doctors at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret were battling to remove the bullet from the child.

The by-election now under way is important for ODM national vice-chairman and Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok, who is seeking to cement his support ahead of a battle to keep his seat in 2017.

Mr Nanok will compete against Turkana Senator John Munyes, who recently ditched Ford-Kenya, where he was chairman, for the newly formed Jubilee Party.

“The party has also noted that there are reported cases of voter bribery and buying being perpetuated by Jubilee legislators. The party has taken note of this and demands appropriate action,” said Dr Zani.