"Politics should be arena of competing ideas": Okute condemns Homa Bay violence
This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.
- Parliamentary aspirant Seth Steve Okute condemned political violence that disrupted gatherings across Homa Bay County
- Okute called on the DCI and police to investigate and arrest those financing the unrest, not just ground-level perpetrators
- The Karachuonyo MP hopeful warned that continued political hooliganism would drive away investors and stall development
Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over four years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Karachuonyo parliamentary aspirant Seth Steve Okute has publicly condemned recent political violence in Homa Bay County, urging both law enforcement agencies and fellow politicians to act decisively before the unrest worsens.
Speaking to TUKO.co.ke following a series of disruptions that affected the Linda Mwananchi rally, Okute said politics should not be a battleground for violence and intimidation.
"Politics should be an arena of competing ideas, not a battleground for violence and intimidation. Homa Bay has always been a beacon of democratic political engagement, and it must remain a peaceful zone for all leaders and residents regardless of their political convictions," Okute said.
Okute calls on DCI to pursue financiers
The aspirant reserved particular criticism for those he described as orchestrating the chaos from behind the scenes, pressing the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to widen the scope of any probe.
"I strongly call upon our police officers and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to conduct thorough investigations, identify, and swiftly arrest all the goons involved — along with the masterminds and financiers behind these incidents. No one should hide behind political influence to sponsor violence against our people," Okute said.
Development cannot thrive amid political chaos
Beyond the immediate security concerns, Okute framed the violence as a direct threat to the region's economic prospects.
He argued that the county's ability to attract investment and development partnerships depends on maintaining a stable political environment.
"Our people need roads, schools, healthcare, and job opportunities for our youth. Development cannot exist in a violent space. Investors and development partners will shy away if we allow political hooliganism to define our county," he said.
Positioning himself as a candidate committed to peaceful transformation, Okute called on other politicians in the county to take responsibility for the conduct of affiliated youth groups and to shift their campaigns towards issues affecting ordinary residents.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.