ODM cracks whip on grassroots poll violence, 8 suspects set for disciplinary action

Just a month after the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) experienced violent incidents during grassroots elections in three Nyanza counties, resulting in several injuries and one fatality, the party’s Executive Director Oduor Ong’wen has fired a stern warning to perpetrators of the chaos.

Ong’wen, speaking during an exclusive interview with Citizen Digital, stated that individuals directly or indirectly involved in the violence will face serious consequences.

The ODM CEO revealed that eight names have already been submitted to the party’s Central Disciplinary Committee.

He noted that the committee is currently finalizing its investigations and is expected to take constitutional action in the coming days.

“We have received eight names, and the disciplinary committee is meeting today and tomorrow to take appropriate action,” Ong’wen confirmed.

On April 4, 2025, violent clashes erupted in Bondo sub-county during party elections. In Ndhiwa, Homa Bay County, a man was brutally attacked with a machete, while in Nyakach, Kisumu County, several youths sustained serious injuries during similar outbreaks of violence.

Ong’wen stressed that ODM will not tolerate violence and that those responsible will be held personally accountable.

“Some leaders are hiring goons to attack fellow members, thinking they’ll walk free. That won’t happen,” he declared.

The party has also called on government security agencies to speed up investigations and bring to justice those involved in maiming and injuring citizens during the democratic exercise.

“The government is duty-bound to protect lives and property. We have urged victims to report these incidents, and we are working with security agencies to ensure justice is served,” Ong’wen added.