Scores Injured After ODM Meeting Turns Chaotic

Several people were injured after an ODM meeting in Kanduyi, Bungoma County turned chaotic.

The Monday, November 22, 2021 meeting was cut short after the participants started throwing blows and kicks over differences in leadership.

According to reports, the fight pit supporters of Bungoma Township MCA Joseph Maguda and those of Raphael Wanyama, both of whom are contesting for the ODM constituency chairmanship.

The supporters clashed on who should become the constituency ODM chairman.

Kanduyi Constituency boasts eight wards and the meeting was intended to unite the party officials in the region.

The meeting was led by Bungoma County ODM chairman Ali Balala Machani and had been convened by the party’s National Election Board (NEB).

Reports indicate that the chaos erupted when Maguda accused Balala of trying to sneak in members through the back door and leaning towards Wanyama.

“He was forcing a certain list...This is a list that had not been agreed upon. That is the bone of contention,” he said.

Wanyama, who is the constituency chairman, maintained that grassroots elections were conducted on October 25 and results sent and received at Chungwa House.

“There was nothing like elections today. We were just harmonising the list but our friends started causing chaos which rocked the function,” he said.

Balala has since called upon the party's national headquarters to intervene and resolve the matter.

“It is unfortunate the process did not proceed after two factions differed. Their supporters caused chaos hence stopping the whole exercise. The head office now has to come in to save the face of the party in the constituency and the county,” he said.

ODM has no MP in Bungoma but has 13 MCAs.