Kisumu County MP Ruth Odinga has strongly condemned the growing trend of politicians storming public events with hired goons, warning that such acts are eroding political tolerance and undermining national unity.
Speaking to the media in Kisumu on Saturday evening after attending the burial of the father of Seme MP James Nyikal, the late Mzee Eliud Nyikal Okaka, Ruth decried what she termed as “organised chaos” orchestrated by political actors.
She expressed outrage over an incident in which Siaya Governor James Orengo was reportedly heckled and forcefully escorted out of the funeral by rowdy youth.
“Governor Orengo had come to mourn with his colleague and sat peacefully, but later there was disruption and intolerance to the extent that a whole governor in Nyanza was frog-marched out of a funeral simply because of divergent views,” she said.
Ruth criticised leaders who, she claimed, mobilise and fund youth to cause chaos at public gatherings, urging them instead to empower young people meaningfully.
“Leaders must stop carrying goons to events. If you truly have the support of the people, let it come naturally. Hiring crowds and using them to intimidate others will not help this country,” she stated.
She further revealed that the otherwise peaceful funeral turned chaotic after some politicians arrived accompanied by rowdy groups, with one incident nearly turning violent.
“One of the goons almost harmed Dr Nyikal’s son. This is unacceptable. We must respect such solemn occasions,” she added.
Ruth also referenced the clergy’s message during the service, noting that religious leaders had called for coexistence, responsibility, and restraint among politicians. She admitted that leaders have fallen short in their oversight role and must do better.
On the broader political landscape, Ruth dismissed factional labels within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), associated with Raila Odinga, insisting she stands firmly for the protection of his legacy.
“I am not in ‘Linda Mwananchi’ or ‘Linda Ground’. I stand for what is right , protecting the legacy of Raila Odinga. ODM is a people’s movement, and Raila has always stood for peace,” she said.
She also brushed off threats allegedly issued against leaders opposed to the “two-term” political narrative, including warnings of disruption at an upcoming meeting in Mombasa.
“We have been warned that we will be attacked if we attend the Mombasa NDC, but we are not afraid. Those sending goons do not understand the struggle that Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Raila Odinga went through to secure multiparty democracy and devolution,” she said.
The legislator concluded by calling for political maturity and dialogue, urging leaders to prioritise unity over confrontation, especially during sensitive public events such as funerals.
