Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang has urged political leaders in the Nyanza region to preach peace and respect one another irrespective of their political affiliations.
He said last week’s incident, during which the entourage of Siaya Governor James Orengo was attacked in Homa Bay, is regrettable.
The attack left two of Orengo’s supporters with serious injuries.
Speaking on Monday during a fundraiser at Waondo SDA Church in Suba North Constituency, Kajwang said the violence would not have occurred if Governor Orengo and his Homa Bay counterpart Gladys Wanga respected each other.
He said respect was essential to promote cohesion and development between governments in the region.
“Orengo came to Homa Bay and faced hostility. I urge our governors to avoid undermining one another,” Kajwang said.
He said politically instigated violence was uncalled for and gave Governor Orengo undue political mileage.
“Orengo did not have any serious agenda that could cause any political damage to his adversaries, but he was now reaping sympathy.”
Kajwang told Orengo to avoid using public funds in what he termed as “political tourism.”
He argued that the public funds that Siaya County Government receives are meant for development rather than politics.
He also urged Orengo to avoid provocation. “The public funds in Siaya County are meant for development, not political tourism and provocation. Let us concentrate on our jurisdictions and promote development,” Kajwang said.
Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko, who accompanied Kajwang, accused Orengo of undermining his Homa Bay county counterpart.
Ochilo also echoed the senator’s remarks, saying leaders should respect one another regardless of their ages and gender.
“We recently heard Orengo making disrespectful remarks in Homa Bay County. Leaders deserve respect regardless of their gender or ages,” Ayacko said.
He called for unity of the Luo community in their political agenda.
“Let us be united as a community and move together with one political agenda under the ODM party,” Ayacko said.
The leaders urged residents to support the broad-based arrangement between the ODM party and President William Ruto.
By Davis Langat
