ODM leader Oburu Odinga has denied allegations that he or his party sponsored the violence that disrupted a Linda Mwananchi political rally in Homa Bay.
Oburu strongly condemned the incident and said ODM does not support the hiring, training or financing of people to attack or intimidate others.
He said political differences should be handled through democratic means rather than violence, stressing that every Kenyan has a constitutional right to move freely and participate in political activities.
The Siaya Senator made the remarks on Thursday, August 27, as Kenya marked the 16th anniversary of the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution.
Oburu called on the police to speed up investigations into the Homa Bay violence and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
The violence disrupted a Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay on August 16, with several people reported injured and deaths recorded during the unrest. The incident also resulted in damage to property.
Leaders associated with Linda Mwananchi had accused ODM officials and local political leaders of being behind the attacks, allegations that Oburu has now rejected.
Oburu maintained that ODM’s position is clear and that the party does not condone political violence in any form.
He urged investigators to establish what happened and hold the actual perpetrators accountable regardless of their political connections.
Police have already arrested several people in connection with the violence as investigations continue. Authorities have also been pursuing other individuals believed to have played roles in organising or carrying out the attacks.
The incident has sparked renewed debate over political violence and freedom of movement as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Oburu said political competition should not be allowed to undermine the constitutional rights and freedoms that Kenyans fought to achieve.