Barely days following the fatal shooting of Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were in Nairobi another senior politician in Homabay County was accosted by unknown assailants and his vehicle shot at severally.
Homabay Deputy Governor Joseph Oyugi Magwanga narrowly survived an assassination attempt Sunday night near his home in Kabuor Village, Kasipul Constituency.
Shortly thereafter Oyugi issued a statement similar to the one issued by the late Ong’ondo saying his life is in danger.
Governor Gladys Atieno Nyasuna Wanga also came out to call for calm and promised to initiate investigations into the incident.
“I am deeply concerned by reports of an incident involving my Deputy Governor, Hon. Oyugi Magwanga, last evening,” said Wanga in a statement.
Wanga said any occurrence that raises concern about the safety and security of leaders deserves attention and immediate action. This incident has come at a time when the county is still mourning the recent loss of Hon. Charles Ong’ondo Were, the Member of Parliament for Kasipul.
She urged security agencies to move swiftly and impartially to investigate this matter and ensure those responsible are brought to justice. She also appealed to the people of Homabay to remain calm and united during this difficult time.
“Let us reject violence in all its forms and stand together for peace, justice, and the rule of law,” said Wanga.
Before he was shot dead the late Ong’ondo Were intimated at a public rally that the violence being meted on politicians in the Constituency is part of a larger succession play orchestrated by people from outside the Constituency. Were also said the reputation of Governor Wanga, who is slated for an unspecified national appointment, was being put to the test.
The popular Oyugi Magwanga is a former Member of Parliament for Kasipul.
Incidentally he did not attend the burial of his successor Ong’ondo Were fearing the unknown as the monetary donation he made during collection for the burial was rejected and returned to him.
The Sunday night attack on Magwanga’s official car occured when the Deputy Governor had switched vehicles after reportedly receiving intel that he was being trailed. His security detail, riding in the official car, exchanged gunfire with the attackers. No injuries were reported.
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