The Migori Council of Elders, alongside youth leaders and representatives of various community groups, has strongly condemned what they termed as “incessant politics of violence” currently threatening peace and stability in Migori County.
In a joint address, the elders expressed grave concern over the rising political hostility linked to ongoing public confrontations among key county leaders, including Ochillo Ayacko, Suna West legislator Peter Masara and his Uriri counterpart Mark Nyamita.
Background: A County Gripped by Political Heat
Migori County has recently witnessed heightened political tensions, particularly during funerals and public gatherings, where rival political camps have clashed through heckling, hostile chants, and public exchanges. What were once solemn cultural spaces for mourning and unity have increasingly become arenas for political showdowns.
The political rivalry — largely centered around influence, succession politics, and early positioning ahead of the 2027 General Election — has unsettled residents and business owners who fear a return to instability.
Community leaders say the situation has reached a worrying threshold.
“Our Children Cannot Be Used”
Speaking on behalf of the elders, Riogi Riogi lamented the growing intolerance and warned against dragging youths into political battles.
“We want peace as elders. Our children cannot be used by the political class to spur division. Nyamita, Masara and Ochillo Ayacko are giving us sleepless nights,” he said.
He questioned why leaders were taking political rivalries to funerals and public gatherings.
“Why take their politics to funerals and community meetings? We have unanimously opposed this retrogressive politics. We have tried pacifying the rift and we will bring all leaders on board to foster peace. We are the electorate — they are pushing us into an early campaign mood.”
The elders further urged the provincial administration to act swiftly.
“Let them embrace peace. The provincial administration must act fast and avert this looming disaster; otherwise, we will rope in imterior Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo to ensure peace is achieved. Migori County is bigger than any one politician. We are vehemently opposed to this nonsense in the name of politics.”
They also called on clergy members to take an active role in promoting unity and discouraging divisive rhetoric, including misuse of cultural platforms to attack opponents.
Youths: “We Refuse to Be Used”
Youth leader Peter Otianga welcomed the elders’ intervention and echoed the call for calm.
“We are grateful to the Migori Council of Elders for taking this bold step to embrace peace and pacify the warring factions ahead of the 2027 General Elections. We are not ready to have our youths used to initiate violence in the county.”
He cautioned that political back-and-forth should not overshadow development.
“Our leaders must be in the forefront in fostering peace. This constant exchange of hostility must stop.”
Otianga further highlighted the socio-economic vulnerability of young people in the county.
“Nearly 70 percent of our youths are jobless. Instead of being used to spearhead chaos, they should be facilitated to create opportunities. The real challenge is nepotism and divisive politics.”
He announced plans to convene a mega youth dialogue forum aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence.
“My responsibility is to bring youths together. I will not take any political side. We are planning a mega meeting where our youths will dialogue and chart a peaceful and harmonious coexistence.”
Business Community and Women Leaders Raise Alarm
Sylvester Oseno Owich of the Sakwa Elders Association emphasized unity:
“As residents of Migori, we are one united front. We need infrastructure development and factories that can spur employment among our youths. We do not want leaders taking advantage of vulnerable young people by giving them handouts to fight in the streets.”
Abdurahman Hussein, representing the Somali community, decried the economic cost of instability.
“We have witnessed a lot of disruption caused by political intolerance. It disrupts our businesses and leaves trails of destruction. We cannot develop when there is heightened political hostility. We will not condone such leadership.”
Women leader Elizabeth Makori spoke emotionally about the social toll of violence.
“Whenever there is violence, it is women and children who suffer most. Some of us are widows and sole breadwinners. Politicians are our children — we employed them through our votes.”
She urged youths to resist manipulation.
“Young people should engage in productive activities and shun unnecessary violence that leaves them injured or even dead. We ask them to remain calm.”
A United Call for Restraint
The joint statement concluded with a firm message: Migori’s development, peace, and unity must come before political ambition.
The elders and youth leaders urged all political actors to exercise restraint, respect cultural spaces such as funerals, and prioritize service delivery over early campaigns.
As the county edges closer to the 2027 election cycle, community stakeholders have vowed to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding peace.
“Migori County is bigger than any individual,” the elders reiterated. “Leadership must unite, not divide.”
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