Three die as violence rocks ODM elections

Three people died in Migori as violence and parallel polls marked the beginning of ODM grassroots elections in six counties.

The chaos broke out following accusations of altered lists of names, change of poll venues and bribery.

However, the party promptly denied that the Sunday night deaths were linked to the elections and blamed them on “criminal acts”.

But even as party Director of Elections Junet Mohammed made this declaration, police in Migori cancelled the elections, saying they posed a danger to public security.

County Police Commander David Kirui said the Security Committee had reached this decision after assessing the security situation.

“All political gatherings will subsequently be deemed illegal and necessary legal action taken against the convenors,” he said.

Elections were also being held in Kilifi, Marsabit, Kajiado, Vihiga and Wajir.

Mr Kirui said two men, one of them a newly elected official, were killed during skirmishes by rival camps in Rongo and Awendo constituencies.

The official, identified as Mr Peter Oduor Otuoma, had just been elected North Sakwa Ward chairman.

The second victim was identified as Mr Tobias Omondi. The third man, who died in hospital, was yet to be identified by the time of going to press.
Mr Kirui said a man is being held in connection with one of the deaths.

Mr Mohammed, however, claimed that two of the victims had a criminal record and were on the police wanted list.

He said the primaries were peaceful and well attended.

“The deaths in Migori have nothing to do with the ODM elections. Police in the county have confirmed that the deaths resulted from criminal acts,” said the Suna East MP.

In Migori, rival leaders held parallel elections and prepared separate lists of officials and delegates.

In Suna West, MP Joseph Ndiege’s allies conducted their poll at Bondo Nyironge trading centre while his opponents, led by former mayor Peter Masara and Mr Valentine Ogongo, held theirs at a Maranatha church.

Former Migori MP John Pesa called for a repeat of voting in areas where it failed to take place freely. In Uriri, there were two lists of officials and delegates.