Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has escalated his confrontation with the Linda Mwananchi camp, calling for the arrest and prosecution of Siaya Governor James Orengo, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Suba South MP Caroli Omondi over the violence that rocked Homa Bay during the opposition rally.
Speaking at a press conference in Parliament on Tuesday, August 18, Kaluma accused the four leaders of allegedly planning and financing the violence witnessed during the August 16 political gathering.He called on security and investigative agencies to investigate the leaders and establish whether they played a role in organising the chaos.
Kaluma also made a fresh allegation concerning the financing of the Linda Mwananchi political caucus, claiming that Sh100 million had been delivered to Orengo shortly before the rally.
“The Ksh100 million was delivered to Governor Orengo on the night of August 14, two days before the rally. This matter must be investigated by the relevant authorities,” Kaluma said.
Photo|Homabay Town MP Peter Kaluma.
His remarks come days after the Linda Mwananchi rally descended into violence, with clashes reported in different parts of Homa Bay as the team led by Sifuna, Orengo and Babu Owino moved through the county.
The confrontation left more than two people dead and scores injured, while property was also damaged, according to reports.Police had earlier warned politicians and their supporters against violence. Authorities also arrested two suspects and recovered five pangas ahead of the rally.
Homa Bay County Police Commander Lawrence Koilem said the recovered weapons would be used as evidence in court while warning youths against allowing themselves to be used to cause violence.
“The weapons are in our custody and will be used as exhibits in court. We call on youths not to be misused to cause violence,” Koilem said.
The allegations have triggered a fresh political blame game, with leaders from both sides accusing their opponents of responsibility for the violence.
Babu Owino had, before the rally, alleged that Kaluma, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko had held a meeting to allegedly plan attacks against Linda Mwananchi supporters.
“Jana usiku, Governor wa Homa Bay, pamoja na Governor wa Migori, pamoja na MCA anaitwa Ogindo, pamoja na MP wa Homa Bay Peter Kaluma, wamefanya mkutano mpaka saa saba usiku,” Owino alleged.
Photo|Embakasi East MP Babu Owino
He further claimed that the alleged meeting involved plans to deploy goons to attack the opposition team, accusations that Kaluma and the other leaders have disputed.
The escalating accusations have now placed the Homa Bay violence under increased political and security scrutiny, with Kaluma insisting that anyone found to have organised or financed the clashes should face criminal prosecution.
The claims against Orengo, Sifuna, Babu Owino and Omondi remain allegations and would require investigation and due process before any criminal responsibility can be established