- They are expected to explain their role in the two incidents.
- Sifuna, in his statement, also called on the Inspector General of police to investigate the matter.
Image: FILE
ODM leader Raila Odinga has summoned all its members present during the Sunday church event in Kisii that turned chaotic.
In a statement condemning the incident including that which happened Friday at a funeral service in Migori, the party has instructed the leaders to appear at the party’s headquarters at Chungwa House in Nairobi on May 8.
They are expected to explain their role in the two incidents.
“Via this statement, the party summons all elected and nominated leaders present at these two functions to appear before the party leadership to explain their role, if any, in these unfortunate events,” the statement signed by Secretary General Edwin Sifuna reads.
During the fundraiser held at Etono grounds in Bomachoge Borabu, police were forced to lob teargas canisters at the pulpit.
The fundraiser had brought together five PAG churches and was attended by six MPs from across the political divide.
The fundraiser was being presided over by South Mugirango MP Sylvanus Osoro who is also the Chief Whip at the National Assembly.
ODM MPs Obadiah Barongo and Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi were in attendance.
Others in attendance were MPs Japhet Nyakundi (Kitutu Chache North) Alfa Miruka (Bomachoge Chache), Patrick Osero (Borabu) and several pro-UDA ward reps.
Trouble started when opposition leaders started criticizing the government something that the leaders and supporters from the UDA side did not take it lying down.
Drama hit a fever pitch when Kibagendi took to the podium.
At some point, the microphone he was using was snatched away.
When the chaos threatened to get out of control, a police officer unleashed a tear gas canister, sending the attendees to scamper.
Sifuna, in his statement, also called on the Inspector General of police to investigate the circumstances under which police lobbed teargas canisters at mourners during the Migori event and also bring the perpetrators to book.
He urged the politicians against using derogatory words noting this played a part in igniting the violence
“We urge the police command to do whatever it takes to educate the members of the police service to understand their mandate does not extend to being jurors in political party activities,” he said.
According to the SG, the footage from the events shows “the attack was coordinated and synchronized through the collusion between some local politicians and the police”.
He did not, however, state if the party has complained to the police to the effect.
Police were also yet to state in connection to the incidents.