•Somali Base Juakali operators vice chairman Laban Okiro termed the attack as unfortunate and regrettable saying such acts of violence were unacceptable in Kisumu.
•Ojienda's team were on Thursday attacked by a rowdy youth who pelted them with stones at the Somali base area in Kisumu, an incident which saw more than eight people injured.
Juakali sector operators in Kisumu have condemned the attack on the campaign team of Kisumu ODM senate candidate Tom Ojienda.
Led by the Somali Base Juakali operators and vice chairman Laban Okiro, they termed the attack as unfortunate and regrettable saying such acts of violence were unacceptable in Kisumu.
He said Prof Ojienda and his team have been on the forefront wooing voters for Azimio presidential candidate Raila Odinga's and his bid hence should not be attacked.
"We should desist from any form of violence as we head to the general election next month. Let every candidate campaign peacefully and market their ideologies without any disruption," Okiro said.
Ojienda's team were on Thursday attacked by rowdy youths who pelted them with stones at the Somali base area in Kisumu, an incident which saw more than eight people injured.
Some of the supporters, including women, sustained head, chest and hand injuries.
The team which was being led by former nominated MCA Caroline Ogot have been crisscrossing Nyakach, Nyando, Kisumu West, Seme and Kisumu East sub-counties on thanksgiving and voter turnout campaigns to ensure Raila has voted 100 per cent.
Okiri noted with concern that some youths opted to attack Ojienda's team who are committed to consolidating voters in Raila's backyard for his presidential bid.
Okiri urged the Luo community to unite behind Raila taking with seriousness his presidential bid.
"We have always won various political seats except for the presidency hence we have to unite and turnout to massively elect Raila in the August 9 poll," he said.
He pointed out that they have taken action over the attack and reported to the police for action.
"It is now a subject of investigation and the perpetrators will be dealt with accordingly," Okiri said.
He at the same time called on leaders seeking elective seats to ensure they empower the artisans and provide for them a proper working environment such as shades.
"We need to have a permanent designated area well-built for the Juakali people. We have been working under the scorching sun for a long," Okiri said.
Timothy Osumba, an operator, also condemned the violence in Juakali which he said has employed thousands of people directly and indirectly.
"We must be disciplined, united and peaceful even as we welcome politicians seeking our votes. It is very unfortunate that some people attacked Prof Ojienda's campaign team. It is unacceptable and we do not tolerate such acts of violence," Osumba said.
Already, he said investigations are going on and those who were involved in the attack will face the full force of the law.
"Action must be taken against anybody who participated in stoning the caravan and supporters of Ojienda. Such violent acts must end," Osumba added.
He called on residents to come out in large numbers and vote for Raila to be the last man to win the presidency with a landslide victory.
Image: MAURICE ALAL
"We have the best opportunity to vote for Raila to bring transformative governance that Kenyans have yearned for years. He is enjoying support from other regions and must those supporting him that were ready for the country's leadership," Osumba said.
He called on Kisumu residents to embrace unity and peace for the sake of development and socio-economic growth.
"This is where we get our daily bread. I want to tell our people, especially the Juakali operators that without peace there will be no meaningful development we can achieve in life or increase our income," Osumba said.
"In Juakali, we have experienced peace since the start of campaigns and therefore we cannot allow some selfish individuals to ruin that unity and peace at our place of work."
One of the suspects behind the attack had been summoned to Kisumu Central Police Station for questioning.
Somali Base Juakali operators Secretary General John Nandwa also condemned the incident and called on residents and politicians to promote peace and unity.
The base, which is under the Juakali artisan association, has more than 2,000 operators.
He told politicians to desist from using youths by paying them to perpetrate violence during campaigns and general elections.
"Elections come and go. After the election, our life has to go on so we must unite, love each other and ensure there is peace," Nandwa said.
Ojienda, a senior counsel, has been keenly wooing voters to support ODM candidates and ensure voters vote Raila to the last man to clinch the presidency with a landslide victory.
He has assured to deliver the senate seat to Kisumu people as well as ensure Raila wins the country's top seat.