A grisly incident unfolded during the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ward-level grassroots elections in Homa Bay County, where two youths from Ndhiwa Constituency were seriously injured after violence erupted at a polling station.
The chaotic scenes occurred on the morning of Monday, April 7, 2025, at Buche Primary School in Ndhiwa, where the elections were underway. One of the victims, a 25-year-old youth identified as Elaine Omondi, had his wrist severed in a brutal machete attack, while another, David Oluoch, sustained deep neck cuts and a fractured left arm during the fracas.
Eyewitnesses reported that the chaos began when a group of unfamiliar youths arrived in a vehicle commonly referred to as a “proboscis.” The intruders are believed to have been hired from outside Ndhiwa with the intention of disrupting the electoral exercise. Tensions quickly escalated as the outsiders clashed with local delegates and party supporters.
Despite being outnumbered, the goons reportedly launched a vicious attack on Omondi and Oluoch, inflicting life-threatening injuries. The two were rushed to Ndhiwa Sub County Hospital, where medical personnel worked swiftly to stop excessive bleeding. Later, they were transferred to Homa Bay Teaching and Referral Hospital for further treatment.
Medical reports confirmed that one of the victims had his left wrist completely severed, while the other suffered a serious neck wound and a broken arm. Doctors at the Sub County Hospital were able to stabilize both individuals before referring them to the higher-level facility for specialized care.
The violent intrusion shocked many in the local community, especially given that the event was supposed to be a peaceful internal party process. Observers noted that the use of external individuals to interfere with the elections pointed to growing political intolerance and desperation ahead of the larger party nominations and national elections.
Local law enforcement acknowledged the incident but said that no arrests had been made as the attackers fled the scene immediately after the assault. Authorities pledged to protect election officials and maintain order but expressed reluctance to intervene deeply in what they labeled a political matter. Police appealed to party supporters to conduct the election in a peaceful and lawful manner, emphasizing that violence only undermines democratic progress.
Meanwhile, leaders within the ODM party have condemned the violence, calling on members to uphold the spirit of democracy and non-violence. Speaking during a separate polling event at Nyandiwa Primary School in West Kamagak, Kasipul Constituency, Homa Bay Deputy Governor urged party supporters to avoid violence and allow the democratic process to take its course.
He emphasized that no political ambition was worth the cost of human life or injury. Calling for calm, he stressed that ODM must remain united and peaceful, especially as the party sets its sights on the 2027 general elections. He also reminded party members that grassroots elections are a crucial step in building a strong and credible political structure.
The ward-level elections, which are aimed at electing delegates for the upcoming constituency-level elections, are part of the broader effort by ODM to strengthen its internal democracy and prepare for national contests. However, Monday’s events in Ndhiwa serve as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of grassroots politics and the urgent need for reforms to ensure safety and fairness.
