Nyakach residents urged to unite against rising insecurity

Parliamentary hopeful Okoth Opande. [Courtesy]

Concerns over escalating insecurity in Nyakach Constituency have sparked sharp criticism of local security agencies.

This is after parliamentary hopeful Okoth Opande, popularly known as Mulla, accusing them of negligence and political meddling.

Speaking during the burial of Archbishop Lukio Juma Ochola of the Roho Musanda Church of East Africa in Kajimbo, Opande expressed frustration with the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO), alleging they are prioritizing politics over their mandate.

“We are in this crisis because security officials refuse to cooperate with us to address the rampant insecurity,” Opande stated. He emphasized that chiefs and assistant chiefs with political ambitions should resign to participate in campaigns rather than compromise their roles.

Opande further urged the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to conduct impartial investigations, asserting that suspects often roam freely in villages despite the community providing actionable intelligence.

Taking a stand against politically motivated violence, Opande warned those attempting to use thuggery to gain political mileage in Nyakach. “To politicians hoping to use intimidation to win elections, it won’t work here,” he declared, highlighting the region’s history of peaceful campaigns.

He recounted incidents of violence against his supporters, including recent attacks and fatalities, calling for justice and a commitment to peace as the 2027 election approaches. “Next weekend, I’ll be attending the burial of another supporter in Agoro,” he lamented.

As a staunch ODM member, Opande lauded the party’s recent grassroots elections, describing them as a step toward strengthening its foundation. He called for the same spirit of peace and unity to prevail during upcoming ward-level elections.

“Empowering our people should be the focus now, not creating unnecessary tension,” he concluded.