A section of leaders in Kisii County on Thursday strongly condemned the violent attack on Ichuni Ward MCA, Wycliffe Siocha, describing the incident as a serious threat to democracy and peaceful political engagement.
Kisii gubernatorial aspirant Ezekiel Machogu led the condemnation and called on security agencies to conduct swift investigations and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
Siocha was reportedly attacked in broad daylight at a mechanic’s repair shop near Hema Hospital in Kisii town.
Speaking to journalists outside the hospital, where the MCA was receiving treatment, Machogu said political differences should never be resolved through violence. He warned that increasing cases of intimidation and lawlessness risk undermining peace and development in the county.
According to Machogu, at least ten individuals were involved in the assault.
“We must reject violence in all its forms. Leaders should be free to engage with residents without fear of attacks or intimidation. Those behind this incident must be held accountable,” he said.
Siocha sustained injuries to the head and chest during the mid-morning attack. Witnesses said he appeared to be in severe pain while receiving treatment, with visible head injuries requiring bandaging.
Several Members of the County Assembly, including Naftal Onokoba, Bouse Mairura, Thomas Obare and nominated MCA Callen Magara, also condemned the attack and expressed concern over what they termed growing political intolerance in parts of the county.
Mairura linked the assault to recent political tensions involving Kisii Governor Simba Arati. He noted that he had recently received a six-month suspension from the County Assembly, while Siocha was removed from various House committees earlier this week.
The MCA argued that the attack reflected increasing hostility toward leaders holding differing political views. He further claimed that Siocha was targeted because of his support for former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and his reported presidential ambitions.
Callen Magara urged security agencies to strengthen surveillance and provide adequate protection to both leaders and residents amid heightened political activity.
“We may belong to different political camps, but violence has no place in our politics. We must safeguard democratic space and allow leaders to discharge their duties freely,” she said.
She also called on residents to remain calm and cooperate with investigators as police pursue those responsible.
Youth leader Denis Mosoti warned that protests could be organized if security agencies fail to identify and prosecute the perpetrators. He cautioned that unchecked political violence could damage Kisii County’s reputation for peaceful coexistence.
Machogu later led a delegation to the Central Police Station in Kisii, where they formally called for thorough investigations into the incident.
Police had not issued a detailed statement on the circumstances surrounding the attack by the time of publication, though investigations were reported to be ongoing.
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