ODM Sounds Alarm Over Safety Of Vice Chairperson And Kisii Governor Simba Arati Amidst Violent Attacks, Urges Swift Investigation And Action
The Mt Kenya Times 
ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna addresses media
By Elizabeth Angira
ODM Party Raises Alarming Concerns Over Safety of National Vice Chairperson and Kisii Governor Simba Arati Amidst Violent Attacks; Calls for Urgent Action and Investigation
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party has expressed deep apprehension regarding the life and safety of its National Vice Chairperson and Kisii Governor, Simba Arati, in the wake of repeated violent attacks allegedly orchestrated by known individuals in broad daylight. The party suggests a possible collaboration with elements within the security forces.
Addressing the press at Kisii County during a visit to the police station, ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna highlighted these concerns, noting that the incidents had been reported to the police and extensively covered by mainstream and social media.
Sifuna proceeded to provide details of two specific incidents that raised alarm.
On June 6, 2023, Governor Arati faced an attack during the funeral of the father of MCA Paul Okombo Ayiema for Boikanga Ward in South Mugirango.
The area MP, Sylvanus Osoro, reportedly unleashed violence with his supporters, shooting arrows at mourners, with the police present.
Despite the incident being reported at Nyamarambe Police Station, no known culprits have been held accountable.
A more recent incident occurred on January 8, 2024, during a bursary form issuance event in Nyakembene, the same ward in South Mugirango.
Armed men, identified as police officers, disrupted the meeting with gunfire, causing injuries and chaos. The ODM Party has criticized the silence from authorities and suspects state-sponsored violence, implicating the highest levels of the security command.
Sifuna cited that ODM Party demands immediate action, including the transfer of the Kisii Police County Commander and the interdiction of officers involved in the attacks
They call for an Independent Police Oversight Authority investigation into the alleged abuse of police power in Kisii County.
The party sets a 14-day ultimatum for these actions; otherwise, they vow to pursue alternative avenues to ensure law and order in Kisii.
The statement also warns that if any harm comes to the Party’s national chairperson in subsequent attacks, individuals named, including Hon. Osoro, Charles Kases, and the IG of Police, will be held personally responsible.
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