Leaders allied to the Kenya Kwanza administration have now come out strongly condem, following a wave of violence that has left residents living in fear, with some reportedly fleeing their homes over safety concerns.
The unrest, which erupted in Marachi Estate on the outskirts of Busia Town, has been linked to remarks allegedly made by Busia Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma ahead of an ODM youth meeting.
They are now calling on the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to summon the governor over what they describe as inflammatory political statements.
Led by former Mayenje Ward Representative David Luyemba, Dr. Osbon Mabalu, and James Wangalwa, the leaders claim that the governor's words contributed directly to rising political tensions in the county.
Addressing journalists in Busia, the leaders painted a grim picture of the situation on the ground. They said the violence has disrupted normal life and forced some residents to abandon their homes over fears for their safety.
According to reports, over the weekend, homes belonging to critics of Governor Otuoma were raided, while several individuals were allegedly attacked in separate incidents.
The developments have fueled fear and uncertainty across parts of the county, with many residents now questioning whether the security situation will deteriorate further.
The leaders have urged security agencies to move in swiftly and restore order as tensions continue to escalate. They also appealed to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to intervene personally and ensure that the protection of lives and property is prioritized.
Beyond the security agencies, the leaders have called on the NCIC to investigate the governor's remarks and establish whether they violated laws against incitement.
They further appealed to young people not to allow themselves to be used to fuel political violence, warning that the youth are often the ones who suffer most when political temperatures rise.
The situation in Busia highlights the delicate balance between political expression and national cohesion, particularly as the country edges closer to the 2027 election cycle.
With the NCIC already investigating multiple cases of hate speech and incitement across the country, all eyes will now be on how the commission handles this latest complaint and whether Governor Otuoma will be summoned to respond to the allegations.
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