Kakamega presiding officers allegedly abducted, tortured during ODM primaries

Tension grew high in Kakamega County on Tuesday following the alleged abduction of two presiding officers who took part in the ODM party grassroots elections.

In the Lurambi constituency, the presiding officer Esau Omung'ala overseeing the elections was reportedly abducted under unclear circumstances shortly after polls were closed. 

The matter was reported at Kakamega Central Police Station in Kakamega town on Monday evening with the Occurrence Book OB116 1958hrs.

According to grassroots leaders led by Vincent Mumia, the officer was tortured and undressed by goons who kidnapped him while he was in town at one of the hotels but was rescued by the police.

“We condemn the incident that took place yesterday evening, where the presiding officers were abducted and tortured. We call on the police to speed the matter and bring to book the people involved in abductions,” he said.

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Mumia linked the event to political rivalries and called for protection by the police during the grassroot elections period.

"This is a dark day for democracy. No one should lose their life for participating in a political process the way it happened in other Counties or being tortured.It's trauma to the people affected and their families, and we condemn the act," said Mumia.

Alice Oside, a voter said that their presiding officer was nearly killed by the goons.

“In Lurambi, we are peaceful, and we had a very good election only for the presiding officer to be abducted. We don't want fights in our party because we are very peaceful.No one should interfere with our party,” said Alice.

Scholastica Abululi said that the elections were done freely and fairly.

“Goons who have started destroying peace in Lurambi may never see peace. We are having elections tomorrow, and I call for peace because it's even scaring us. All we need is peace.

Another resident Fabian Shiveka, called on party leader Raila Odinga to intervene in the matter where insecurity has taken place. Let us all come together and fight for our rights.

“This man needs justice, and those who took part in the abductions will be held accountable.If we allow this to happen, then it means that our lives will be in danger,” he said.

He urged the opponents to be cautious because a returning officer is human and has a right to live.