"Must be condemned": Otiende slams Homa Bay leader who blocked Sifuna's team
This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.
- Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo spoke out on Wednesday, August 19 after political actors were blocked in Homa Bay
- Amollo invoked the 'Democratic' principle in ODM's name to defend freedom of political movement
- The lawmaker called for condemnation of those who created chaos by obstructing political access in the county
Rarieda Member of Parliament Otiende Amollo has condemned attempts to block political figures from accessing Homa Bay, calling on the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to uphold its founding democratic values.
Writing on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, August 19, Amollo said the obstruction of political actors in Homa Bay was unacceptable and demanded that those responsible be held to account.
Amollo invokes ODM's democratic principle
The lawmaker drew attention to what he described as a contradiction between the party's name and the conduct of some of its members on the ground.
"At all material time, the D in ODM remains 'Democratic'! We must allow all persons to campaign anywhere without Let or Hindrance! Those who created chaos in Homa Bay by seeking to block some political actors from access must be condemned. It's just that simple," Amollo wrote.
His remarks pointed to a pattern of political intolerance that has surfaced in parts of western Kenya, where rival factions have clashed over access to political strongholds ahead of the 2027 General Election campaigns.
Homa Bay Incident Draws Criticism
Amollo did not identify the political actors who were blocked or name the individuals responsible for the disruptions in Homa Bay.
However, his statement indicated that the incidents were serious enough to warrant public condemnation from within ODM's own ranks.
The MP's intervention signals growing tension within the party over political space and freedom of movement for candidates or campaigners operating in areas traditionally viewed as ODM territory.
Homa Bay County has historically been an ODM stronghold, and competition for influence in the region has intensified as the next election cycle draws closer.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.