ODM leaders warn against violence in Raila rallies

ODM grassroots leaders in Mumias are appealing for peace as they prepare for party leader Raila Odinga’s tour in the region on Friday.

The leaders say they had leads indicating that youth had been paid by opponents to disrupt ODM rallies.

Mumias East MP John Naicca, Justine Mutobero (ODM Mumias East, chair) and Paul Posho (ODM Chair Matungu) called on youth to desist from being hired by politicians to cause violence.

"There is no need for you to be paid a small sum to cause chaos that can lead to your death and injury. You would rather go to engage in productive ventures like farming rather than be hired as a goon to disrupt the coming meeting. ODM is a peaceful party and we stand for peace," said Mutobero.

They at the same time called on police to be on the lookout for people who are holding secret meetings in hotels to plan on how to disrupt ODM rallies in the three sugar belt constituencies of Mumias East, Mumias West and Matungu,

"There is no need of chaos. What we need is to allow every leader to come to this area so that they can sell their manifesto to us. If you are displeased with him or her you can then express that through the ballot box and not at rallies," said Naicca.

They said that all arrangements to host the ODM rallies were in top gear and nothing was being left to chance.

They assured that the party's 'peace marshals' were on standby to ensure that no one will to disrupt the rallies.

Raila will hold a meeting in Matungu Town Hall then proceed to Mumias Bus Park for a Roadside address before holding two rallies at Shianda and Musanda.