Elder Michael Anayo speaks during the endorsement of Kochia MCA aspirant Kennedy Ogindo at Sota Primary School in Kochia, Rangwe constituency/ Robert Omollo
Some elders in Rangwe Constituency have called on Homa Bay politicians to stop using youths to cause violence ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The elders argued that there is increasing use of goons in Homa Bay County to disrupt peace during political functions.
The latest incident occurred on Friday when supporters of Siaya Governor James Orengo and those of Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga clashed in Suba North and Homa Bay Town constituencies.
The violence led to injuries among some youths who were fighting over political differences.
Following the incident, the elders in Rangwe expressed their dissatisfaction with politicians over the violence.
The elders, led by Samson Omanya and Michael Anayo, said violence is uncalled for.
Omanya argued that engaging youths in violence is tantamount to destroying their future.
Kochia MCA aspirant Kennedy Ogindo interacts with residents after his endorsement at Sota Primary School in Rangwe constituency/Robert Omollo
“The moment a young person is killed or left with a permanent disability, only their families will suffer. Those politicians will hardly take care of their families,” Omanya said.
Speaking at Sota Comprehensive School in Kochia Ward during the endorsement of educationist Kennedy Ogindo to run for the area MCA seat, the senior citizens accused political leaders of ruining the lives of young people.
He accused politicians of causing tribulations in other people’s families.
“Let politicians stop engaging children in campaign violence. They are ruining the future of the youths,” he added.
Anayo urged politicians to embrace issue-based politics and avoid violence in their campaigns.
Elders crown Kochia MCA aspirant Kennedy Ogindo during an endorsement at Sota Primary School in Rangwe constituency/Robert Omollo
“There is no politics that warrants the death or injury of people. Let our politicians embrace issue-based politics,” Anayo said.
He urged politicians to shun anything that fuels enmity so that the community can remain united.
“Let political leaders iron out their differences and focus on unity,” he said.
Ogindo said there was a dire need for political tolerance, not only in the county but across the entire Nyanza region.
He said politics should not be perceived as a do-or-die contest.
“I am venturing into elective politics, but it doesn't mean that somebody has to be injured for one to win an elective seat,” Ogindo said.
He promised to champion value addition for pineapples to enable farmers in the area to maximise their income.
“Farmers in Kochia produce pineapples on a large scale. I will lobby for value addition of our pineapples so that our farmers get value for their sweat,” he added.
