ODM has raised concerns over the safety of Kisii governor Simba Arati after he was recently attacked while issuing bursaries in Mugirango South Constituency.
Led by the party secretary Edwin Sifuna and their lawyers, the leaders visited Kisii county police headquarters to present their complaints.
In a statement that was read by Sifuna, the party cited two incidents that have threatened the governor’s life, which happened in broad daylight. They include that of January 6, 2023 during the funeral of Paul Okongo’s father, an MCA in Mugirango South and the January 8, 2024 incident when Arati was issuing bursaries.
“The ODM party expresses serious concern about the life and safety of its National Vice-Chair and Kisii Governor Simba Arati following repeated violent attacks perpetrated by known persons in broad daylight with what appears to be tacit support and collaboration with elements in the security forces,”
“All this incidents have been reported to the police and widely captured by both mainstream and social media,” Sifuna said.
The party pointed a blaming finger to Mugirango South MP Silvanos Osoro, accusing him of using his goons in the police force to intimidate Arati.
The party has now issued 3 demands that should be met in 14 days failure to which the party will will pursue other avenues to ensure law and order is restored in the county.
“We take this opportunity to condemn the actions of Osoro and the police and demand that the Police IG immediately transfer the Kisii County Commander and that action must be taken against the officers identified in the attacks. They should be interdicted as they await their date with justice,” said Sifuna, and he added that;
“Osoro should be asked to report a statement with the police if he has become too powerful to be arrested. IPOA also must commence investigations into the abuse of police power in Kisii County.
“Should any harm come to our party’s National Vice Chair and Governor of Kisii Simba Arati, as a result of any subsequent attack against him, the persons named here including Osoro, Police Commander Charles Kasses and the IG of Police will be held personally responsible,” he further said.
Secy. Gen. @edwinsifuna’s statement on persistent coordinated and organized violence on Governor @SimbaArati in Kisii County. pic.twitter.com/8OE52ijMTX
— The ODM Party (@TheODMparty) January 12, 2024
