NAIROBI, Kenya- Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo has called for calm in Homa Bay, condemning political violence and urging rival groups to settle their differences through ideas rather than confrontation.
Odhiambo said the responsibility for maintaining security in the county ultimately rests with Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, as tensions rise ahead of the planned Linda Mwananchi rally.
“CS Murkomen, the issue of security starts and stops with you. When people in Homa Bay harm each other, the buck stops with you,” Odhiambo said.
The MP said she was disturbed by the political atmosphere in Homa Bay, warning against the use of crude weapons by political rivals.
“I hate the kind of politics I am witnessing in Homa Bay today. Brother against brother using pandas. Sister against sister using pangas. Attack your opponents with ideas,” she said.
Odhiambo condemns violence
Odhiambo said political competition should not degenerate into violence, intimidation or ethnic divisions.
She said her political philosophy was shaped by the principles associated with the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, particularly respect for constitutionalism, democracy and human rights.
“As an ardent and excellent student of the Raila Amollo Odinga School of politics, whose values and principles mirror those enshrined in Article 10 of our Constitution and Chapter 4 on the Bill of Rights; and are also in the values of our party ODM, I fully support the freedom of speech and of association,” she said.
However, she drew a distinction between exercising political freedoms and inciting violence.
“I condemn incitement to violence and actual violence. I do not condone the ethnicization of politics. I urge the respect for the rule of law,” she added.
Her remarks come amid heightened tensions in Homa Bay ahead of the Linda Mwananchi rally, with reports of road barricades and bonfires in parts of the county.
Police are also investigating an attack on a hotel in Homa Bay where property was reportedly destroyed and stolen. A police report said youths allegedly wearing ODM attire invaded the hotel before fleeing on motorcycles.
There is no established evidence linking the hotel incident to Odhiambo or to the planned rally.
‘I will not sell my birthright’
Odhiambo also invoked her Christian faith, saying she would not compromise her principles despite the political pressure surrounding the events in Homa Bay.
“Brand me whatever you want, but as a Christian, especially in our month of dedicated prayers as Adwen Sura gi Wes or SDA, I will not sell my birthright for a peace of meal,” she said.
She appealed to residents and political leaders to pray for peace as the county prepares for the rally.
“Join me in praying that peace prevails in Homa Bay County tonight and tomorrow,” she said.
Odhiambo’s intervention comes as political tensions rise in Homa Bay, with competing political factions mobilising supporters ahead of the 2027 General Election.
