MIGORI: Grassroots civil society leaders from the Kenya National Bunge la Wananchi Caucus have issued condemnation of the recent political violence in Homa Bay, calling on politicians to immediately cease hiring youth to disrupt rallies and assault opponents.

Speaking at South Kamagambo ward Migori county during the burial ceremony of Boyton who was a Boda Boda rider at konamaji Kisumu town and a member of Bunge la wananchi kondele branch, officials from the Kenya National Bunge la Wananchi Caucus led by their president Obungu Owich, condemned the recent outbreak of political hooliganism in Homa Bay, which left several people injured, property destroyed, and businesses disrupted.

The group’s Secretary-General, Timon Omiti, expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions, noting that the community must reject rowdy politics and avoid unsanctioned political gatherings that trigger violence.

“It is deeply unfortunate that our people are turning against each other over political differences,” Omiti stated.

“The late Raila Odinga taught us to fight for rights, democracy and government accountability; he never pitted local citizens against one another. We cannot allow political rivalries to divide our people and ruin our youth.”

Omiti urged local residents to avoid attending unsanctioned political forums where security is not guaranteed, warning that rowdy disruption often leads directly to chaos and injury.

He called on political leaders across the region to offer clear, peaceful guidance rather than inciting their supporters into open confrontation.

Echoing these sentiments, the Majority Leader of the Caucus, Eliud Joel, appealed to regulatory and leadership bodies overseeing the region to step in and compel elected representatives to maintain peace.

“Youth should be given job opportunities and constructive work, not small bribes to fight other people’s political battles,” Eliud said. “When the violence ends, the politicians go back to their comfortable homes and safe families, while the local youth are left facing the painful consequences alone. We urge law enforcement to investigate the incidents in Homa Bay thoroughly and hold those responsible on both sides accountable.”

The Caucus President, Sospeter Obungu Owich, emphasized that the organization will begin a region-wide sensitization campaign across Migori, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Siaya, and Nairobi to map out youth unemployment and push elected leaders for constructive economic solutions.

“We reject the politics of hooliganism, goonism, and panga violence,” Owich said. “Every leader whether an MP, Senator, Woman Representative, or Governor must account for what they have done to positively impact the lives of young people during their term”.

“Instead of handing young people weapons to fight their brothers, leaders must provide them with economic platforms, job opportunities, and skills.”

Owich also reminded leaders from both the Linda Wananchi movement and the ODM party that every Kenyan holds the constitutional right to assemble, travel, and market their political agendas freely anywhere in the country without fear of attack or harassment.

The caucus leaders called on senior regional figures to convene an all-inclusive council meeting to unite local leaders, settle internal disputes through peaceful dialogue, and ensure that the focus remains strictly on regional development.