ODM senatorial candidate Moses Kajwang’ injured in Homabay funeral

Homabay, Kenya: ODM senatorial candidate Moses Kajwang’ was Friday injured after he was pelted with stones at a funeral in Homabay.

Friday, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) candidate, Moses Kajwang', was injured when rival supporters fought at a funeral in Rangwe constituency.

Kajwang' was hit in the head when rowdy youths, chanting slogans in praise of Maendeleo Democratic Party candidate Philip Okundi, threw stones and other objects at the dais where the ODM flag bearer was.

Waving Okundi's posters, the youths tried to block Kajwang' and his team which included MPs TJ Kajwang' (Ruaraka), Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay Women Representative) and Homa Bay County Governor Cyprian Awiti from addressing the mourners.

Kajwang' who sustained injuries on his left ear and the neck was rushed to Homa Bay District Hospital where he was treated and discharged.

The chaos broke out at the burial of former Homa Bay County Public Service Board Secretary Agnes Mackdwallo, the wife of former Kenyan ambassador to Egypt in Kochia.

It is in the same constituency, at Olare market where a similar incident befell the ODM brigade last month during Kajwang's introductory tour of the county.

Speaking to The Standard after recording a statement at Homa Bay Police Station, Kajwang alleged the youths were hired by local politicians to shame him.

"Peace had prevailed during the burial ceremony until it reached a time to go to the podium when the youths started shouting and throwing objects. The youths came there with two legislators who I believe knew their whereabouts," he said.

He added: "I am going to report this matter to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission so that punitive measures can be taken against those involved."

Okundi who later attended the burial after the clashes condemned the chaos and urged youths to shun violence.

"I want to urge our young people to embrace peace so that we have a peaceful by-election,” said Okundi.