The Suba Council of Elders, representing the Suna East and Suna West communities, has condemned Suna West Member of Parliament Peter Masara following a physical altercation at Nyamaraga Level 4 Hospital.
The incident, which saw the lawmaker allegedly assault Migori County Health Executive Committee Member (CEC) Caleb Opondi during an official county healthcare delivery event, has drawn intense backlash from cultural leaders, women, and youth representatives across the county.
The altercation occurred during a public function organized to unveil institutional support and improve service delivery at Nyamaraga Level 4 Hospital.
Witnesses and council members noted that the event descended into chaos when MP Masara confronted the Health Minister in front of attendees, local residents, and the media.
Cultural leaders expressed anger over the disruption, pointing out that public health facilities and development functions should never be turned into arenas for political combat or physical aggression.
Speaking during a joint press conference, the representatives of the Suba Council of Elders directly challenged the MP’s public persona, contrasting his religious professions with his recent actions in public spaces.
“We advise Masara to tone down his temper. Leadership cannot be about physical fights.We are well-acquainted with his usual slogan of praising the Lord. Whenever he stands to speak in public gatherings, Masara is viewed as someone who loves unity and peace through those professions. Today, the elders are asking: Which Lord is he trying to pronounce and promote if his character is laced with violence and insecurity? Should we call him the ‘Lord of Violence’?”
The elders stressed that while political figures are free to harbor ambitions for the 2027 Migori gubernatorial seat, those ambitions cannot justify physical assaults or sabotaging the current administration’s service delivery.
They affirmed that Governor Ochilo Ayacko holds the legitimate mandate to steer the county’s development agenda until the next general election.
Rejecting violence
The press briefing featured strong statements from various representatives within the Suba Council of Elders, all calling for immediate accountability and restraint
Supreme Cultural Leader and Chairman of the Council, Ker Riogi Riogi who was personally present during the Nyamaraga event expressed deep disappointment over the breach of decorum, declaring that the community would no longer tolerate repeated acts of intimidation.
“When the county government brings development initiatives such as health facilities and infrastructure it is meant to benefit our children and community. Yet, at Nyamaraga, in my presence as Ker, MP Francis Masara physically assaulted County Health Minister Caleb Opondi. This is not the first time. As the traditional custodian of this land, I say: Enough is enough.”
Speaking on behalf of women and mothers in the Suna region, Council Treasurer Serfin Adoyo Oyugi condemned the physical assault and public disrespect shown toward county ministers performing official duties.
“What transpired in Nyamaraga is deeply shameful. Minister Opondi was carrying out his official duties as the County Health Minister. If there are political differences, physical violence and public insults are not the answer. We will not tolerate violence, intimidation, or gun-pointing at public functions.”
Youth Representative Rashid Nyabiondo sent a strong message to the region’s young people, warning them against being recruited into political militias or participating in orchestrated violence.
“As youth, we refuse to be used as instruments of violence or political thuggery. Masara used to preach peace to the youth, but his actions contradict his words. You cannot claim to lead while causing chaos, physically attacking officials, and drawing tension at public gatherings.”
Political implications
The confrontation at Nyamaraga Level 4 Hospital highlights the growing political friction between Suna West parliamentary leadership and Governor Ochilo Ayacko’s executive arm as early 2027 campaign dynamics take shape.
The elders reminded all political actors that succession politics must remain suspended in favor of governance, peaceful coexistence, and institution-building.
They reiterated that party nominations and formal electoral windows will determine future leadership not physical altercations at civic venues.
Ker Riogi Riogi announced that the council will convene an expanded consultative summit to establish binding guidelines regarding political conduct, public gathering safety, and mutual respect among elected officials across Suna East, Suna West, and the wider Migori County.
The council urged MP Peter Francis Masara to tone down his political temper, respect constitutionally established offices, and work collaboratively with county authorities to serve the electorate.
