ODM leaders accuse Linda Mwananchi of provoking violence to whip emotions

Speaking in Kisumu on Sunday, Homa Bay Governor and ODM chairperson, Gladys Wanga, and Energy Cabinet Secretary, Opiyo Wandayi, accused the team of whipping up emotions and provoking peaceful people to engage in violence.

"We are praying that as we go to elections, this country remains united because we all walk the same journey. Nobody must remain outside; we should preach politics of unity and we should play politics that brings this country together,” said Wanga.

The leaders called on the political class to preach unity and allow the government to deliver on its development promises.

Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi launched an onslaught against the Linda Mwananchi team, whom he said are on a mission to vilify some of the ODM leaders.

The CS said that the violence witnessed in the recent past, especially during opposition rallies in Nyanza, was systemic, aiming to provoke the electorate.

"We want peace and tranquility in our counties of Kisumu, Siaya, and Homa Bay. If you plan a political rally, please do so with good intentions, but not as a way of provoking violence so that you bastardize some people and make us look bad,” Said Wandayi.

The leaders also advocated for the re-election of President William Ruto for a second term, outlining not just his track record in development but also in uniting the country.

“He knows and believes that he is the president of one country called Kenya, and that is why he looks at Kenya and looks at those parts of Kenya that have not been developed, and he chooses to bring them up,” Kisumu West MP Roza Buyu said.

"Our president has brought everyone of us to the table—whether it is the church, whether it is the farmer, whether it is anybody. This broad-based government has become for everybody,” added Wanga.

Local leaders who were present also called on the political class as well as the electorate to maintain peace.