Nyanza UDA politicians, among them former Nairobi governor Evans Kidero, have accused Azimio, of undermining other players.
They expressed concern over what they called a trend of intimidation, chaos, and violence that comes from Azimio.
They accused ODM of resorting to such tactics to stifle competition from UDA.
“We strongly oppose ODM’s use of hate speech and ethnic incitement for political mobilization,” said Dr. Kidero.
He warned that such tactics would only alienate Luo Nyanza from the rest of the nation.
Dr. Kidero emphasized the need to shift gears and enter a phase of negotiation and meaningful discussion.
According to Kidero, the people of Nyanza have realized that they are living in a barren land that cannot produce any products.
As a result, they have decided to join UDA, and Dr. Kidero stated that this shift is irreversible.
He pointed out that more than a third of Luo voters have joined UDA and are not going back.
Kidero further warned that the region is in danger of slipping back to the era of one-party monolithic dictatorship.
He however criticized the push to strangle other political parties, stating, “That is not how our democracy works. This is how tyranny works.”
Thus,the tensions between UDA and ODM were highlighted at the funeral of former Migori County ODM chairman Philip Makabong’o.
At the event, tensions escalated as youths armed with stones and crude weapons clashed.
Consequently, Youths from Rongo threatened MP Paul Abuor whom they accuse of collaborating with President William Ruto’s government against Mr. Odinga’s instructions.
Kennedy Obuya, the UDA Homa Bay County chairman,
called for a thorough investigation into statements from ODM politicians that involve hate speech and ethnic incitement.
He specifically mentioned remarks from Opiyo Wandayi, Siaya Governor James Orengo, and Migori Senator Eddy Oketch.
“The Nyanza branch of the UDA Party rejects ODM’s political mobilization through hate speech and ethnic incitement,” said Mr. Obuya.
Additionally,he warned that these actions will only serve to isolate Luo Nyanza from the rest of the country.
Homa Bay businessman Sangira Stephene condemned the attacks, some of which were aimed at the Interior PS Raymond Omollo.
He appealed to the ODM leadership to keep the PS out of their partisan politics.
Further,he stated that the PS has nothing to do with the outcome of the 2022 presidential election.
Mr. Sangira emphasized that the PS is busy fulfilling his mandate according to the constitution and has no time for politics.
At the funeral, the ODM brigade targeted “traitors” whom they accused of using the party to get elected into office only to change their tune and work with their political enemies.
In response, National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi dismissed the UDA group as self-seekers who had no real presence at the grassroots.
He labeled them as cartels seeking undeserved relevance.
