NAIROBI, Kenya- Former Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo has called for firm action against those behind Thursday’s violence that disrupted a political tour by Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-K Leader Eugene Wamalwa and Democratic Party Leader Justin Muturi in Migori County.
Odhiambo said the incident, in which the opposition leaders’ convoy was pelted with stones and several vehicle windows damaged, was an attack on constitutional freedoms and could not be resolved by another promise of investigations.
“Nobody should have to brave stones to address fellow Kenyans and exercise their democratic and political rights,” she said.
She called on the National Police Service to identify the attackers, investigate anyone who may have organised or financed the violence, and ensure those found responsible are prosecuted.
Odhiambo also demanded an independent investigation into the conduct of police officers during the incident, following claims that teargas was used as the confrontation unfolded.
“Shattered windows can be replaced, but a life lost cannot,” she said, warning that Kenya should not wait for fatalities before treating political violence as a national concern.
Convoy attacked during Migori tour
The incident happened on Thursday, November 5, as Kalonzo, Wamalwa, Muturi and other opposition figures held political engagements in Migori as part of a wider mobilisation tour in the Nyanza region.
Reports from the scene indicated that a group of people pelted the convoy with stones, damaging several vehicles.
Images shared by the leaders showed shattered windows, including on a vehicle associated with Muturi.
Kalonzo said a small group of people started throwing stones before police deployed teargas.
He described the disruption as an attempt to intimidate the opposition and undermine the right to peaceful assembly.
“To put the life of a leader at risk is a serious miscalculation,” Kalonzo said after the incident. “Stones and teargas could not stop us from addressing the great people of Migori.”
The Wiper Leader maintained that the opposition would continue its scheduled engagements, including rallies planned for Homa Bay County on Friday.
Muturi also condemned the attack, saying the group would not abandon its political activities because of threats or violence.
He described the incident as political intolerance and called for those responsible to be held accountable.
Calls grow for independent investigation
Odhiambo said the country had repeatedly witnessed condemnation after political violence, followed by calls for investigations that did not always result in visible accountability.
“We have spoken against political violence for far too long. The same outrage, the same calls for investigations, and yet we see more attacks with little action to end this trend,” she said.
Her statement adds to condemnation from Siaya Governor James Orengo, who said violence and democracy could not coexist as the country moves closer to the 2027 General Election.
The Migori incident has again placed the safety of political leaders, supporters and members of the public under scrutiny as parties intensify grassroots mobilisation.
Under Article 29 of the Constitution, every person has the right to freedom and security of the person, while Article 37 protects the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket and present petitions peacefully and unarmed.
Odhiambo said the State has a duty to protect peaceful political participation irrespective of the views held by the leaders or citizens involved.
“Kenyans do not need another condemnation to file away; they need consequences for those responsible,” she said.
The opposition leaders have, however, insisted that the disruption will not stop their mobilisation activities across the country.
