What You Need to Know
Siaya Governor James Orengo has issued a stern warning to police attempting to disrupt the People’s National Delegates Conference. He emphasized that any assault on attendees would have serious repercussions. The conference, held in Nairobi, faced opposition from police, who sought to disperse attendees and questioned the legitimacy of the meeting, which was organized alongside another ODM event.
Africa-Press – Kenya. Siaya Governor James Orengo has warned police officers trying to disrupt the People’s National Delegates Conference on Friday that there would be consequences if Linda Mwananchi NDC attendees are assaulted.
In parallel with the ODM Special Delegates Conference at Jamhuri Grounds, Orengo convened the meeting with other leaders, namely ODM deputy party Leader Godfrey Osotsi, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.
The party’s divisions were highlighted by the conference, which took place at Nairobi’s Ufungamano House at odds with the main special delegates’ conference.
ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga dismissed the conference led by Sifuna, saying only the NDC at the Jamhuri Grounds was legitimate.
“Anything else would be maybe a kamukunji, a baraza, a political rally, or a birthday party, but there is only one NDC of the ODM party that will be taking place this Friday,” she said.
Sifuna’s meeting was met by a heavy police presence.
The officers dispersed attendees outside the venue and tried to get the event organisers to postpone the meeting.
“They can hold their meeting any other day other than today. We are talking to the leaders to move it,” Nairobi regional police commander Issa Mohammud said.
Orengo cautioned the police officers against trying them, saying they would hold them accountable.
“I want to tell the police that any assault on any one of us will be met with consequences. We will pursue you and hold you accountable, and we will also go after those who sent you,” Orengo said during the event.
Sifuna expressed disappointment for the police presence, saying the meeting was properly planned for, yet police officers surveilled the area.
“Tulipeana ilani kwamba tutakuwa na mkutano hapa, lakini jambo la kusikitisha ni kwamba malori ya polisi yamejaa hapa nje,” Sifuna said.
The People’s National Delegates Conference is a significant event for the ODM party, reflecting internal divisions and leadership struggles. The ongoing tensions within the party have been exacerbated by competing factions, each claiming legitimacy over their respective gatherings. This situation highlights the broader political landscape in Kenya, where party dynamics often influence national politics and governance. The role of law enforcement in political events has also raised concerns about the balance between maintaining order and respecting democratic processes.
