Residents of Marachi Estate on the outskirts of Busia Town have come out strongly to condemn remarks allegedly made by Busia Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma against a group of local youths popularly known as "Jobless."
The residents, speaking through their leaders William Onyango, Fred Ohonjo, and Solomon Onyango, have called on the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to probe the governor's statements, warning that they could stir up hostility among communities living in Busia Town and its surrounding areas.
The "Jobless" group, also previously referred to as "Marachi Boys," was in 2016 gazetted by the Ministry of Interior as a militia group following numerous insecurity cases in Busia linked to them. However, the group has since undergone transformation, with some members becoming trained security guards and transport entrepreneurs.
The relationship between Governor Otuoma and the Jobless youths has been rocky, with the group previously accusing him of abandoning them after they helped him ascend to power.
Speaking to journalists in Busia, the leaders described the governor's remarks as inflammatory and unbecoming of a public leader.
They argued that elected leaders should be at the forefront of promoting peace, unity, and coexistence rather than making statements that could be interpreted as targeting a particular group of youths or community members.
The residents warned that such utterances risk undermining the peaceful relations that have long existed among residents of the county.
The residents, however, reaffirmed their support for the ODM party rally scheduled for today and to be led by party leader Oburu Oginga.
The rally is part of ODM's Western Kenya support mobilisation tour, marking an early push to consolidate its traditional strongholds ahead of next year's general election. Governor Otuoma, who doubles as the region's ODM branch chairman, has previously pledged total loyalty to Oburu's leadership.
At the same time, the residents criticized what they termed Governor Otuoma's conduct towards members of the Luo community living in Busia County.
On Saturday, while mobilizing residents to attend the rally, Governor Otuoma was quoted making remarks calling for action against youths from Marachi, comments that have since drawn criticism from some local residents.
The leaders have urged the DCI to move with speed and investigate the matter, saying that leaders must be held accountable for their words and actions.
They called on all Busia residents to remain peaceful and not allow political differences to divide them along tribal or community lines.
0 Comments