ODM Leaders in Turkana Face Backlash Over Gender-Insensitive Remarks Amid High-Profile Assault Case
“This language is unacceptable from leaders who should know better. The DCI must investigate this further,”
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A section of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders in Turkana County, led by their chairman John Lokopir, is under fire for making controversial remarks about Chief Inspector Awino Ong’ale, the officer who executed the arrest of Turkana South MP John Namoit Ariko and eight other co-accused.
The group is facing charges of assault causing actual bodily harm against Nimrod Ekamais, the son of Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomurukai, in an incident that occurred on 29th April 2024 at Cherinas Home in Turkana Central Subcounty.
During a press statement on Turkana TV, a digital media platform,Lokopir and other ODM leaders used language widely criticized as offensive and derogatory, particularly toward women, to describe Chief Inspector Ong’ale. The comments sparked outrage on social media, with many netizens condemning the leaders for their gender-insensitive remarks.
Netizens were quick to call out the ODM leaders for their choice of words, describing them as inappropriate and demeaning. Screenshots of comments on Turkana TV’s Facebook post show users expressing their frustration with the language used:
Sylvesters Ebei wrote, “Mama wa matiti shiiya akimat na ngisikin.”
Pinchez Fiññëßt added, “Lokopir ni wazimu siku zote. Was it necessary kusema mama wa matiti? Mokosa ingine ya kuwa summoned na DCI.”
Xymoh Loa Ekunoit commented, “Huyu atashitakiwa na FIDA kwa kumtusi jinsia ya mama.”
Kenzo Inyanga warned, “Unatukana mama DCI, chunga sana!”
These comments reflect a broader consensus among netizens that the remarks were not only disrespectful but also undermined the dignity of women, particularly those in leadership roles like Chief Inspector Ong’ale.
The case involves MP John Namoit Ariko, who is also the ODM National Vice Chairman, alongside eight co-accused, including:
1. Peter Lokutuni – Former Turkana County Assembly member
2. David Loyopo – Blogger
3. Jamostar Silale – Blogger
4. Bonfestars Ekale – Local politician
5. Joseph Elikipan – Senior pastor
6. Peter Kodet – Turkana County law enforcement officer
7. Sammy Esinyen alias Whensonko – Manager, NG-CDF Turkana South Constituency
8. James Esinyen – Former MCA
The group is accused of causing bodily harm to Nimrod Ekamais and conspiracy to defeat justice. The case was reported under Occurrence Book Number 96/29/4/2024 and has since been transferred to the Eldoret court.
ODM leaders, led by John Lokopir, have accused the government of using the case to persecute MP Ariko politically. On Turkana TV, Lokopir called on President William Ruto and ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga to intervene.
“We are in a broad-based government. Why are our party leaders silent while our MP is suffering in Eldoret GK Prison?” questioned Lokopir.
However, state prosecutors refuted claims of political interference, asserting, “This is not a political case; it is about justice for the victim.”
The nine accused appeared before Eldoret Principal Magistrate Cherono Kesse on Friday, where they were remanded at Eldoret GK Prison pending a ruling on their bail and bond application, scheduled for Monday. Magistrate Kesse emphasized that all accused persons are equal before the law and will not receive preferential treatment.
The remarks made against Chief Inspector Ong’ale have drawn sharp criticism, with calls for the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to take action against those responsible. Women’s rights organizations, including FIDA, have been urged to intervene to ensure respect and accountability in public discourse.
“This language is unacceptable from leaders who should know better. The DCI must investigate this further,” one observer noted.
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