Migori Senator Oketch demands probe into political violence
By Emmanuel Rono, March 12, 2026Migori Senator Eddy Oketch has called for immediate government intervention to address escalating political violence in Migori County, demanding accountability and urgent government intervention into incidents.
According to a report by the Parliament of Kenya on Thursday, March 12, 2026, Oketch, on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, detailed a series of violent confrontations that occurred on February 12, 2026, involving the Member of Parliament for Suna West and the Governor of Migori County during a funeral service.
The unrest reportedly intensified the following day with clashes at the Migori Town stage and Migori bridge, resulting in 19 casualties and two individuals suffering from gunshot wounds.
Oketch has tasked the Senate Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations, chaired by Senator Fatuma Dullo, to provide a status update on police investigations and to outline measures to prevent political leaders from recruiting youth to incite chaos.
He further urged the committee to update the House on the progress of police investigations and arrests and to detail specific measures being implemented to curb the recruitment of youth by political leaders to incite unrest at public gatherings.
Economic disruption
In addition to security concerns, the Senator highlighted a major economic disruption caused by the destruction of the Migori Bridge along the Migori-Sirare road. The recent floods washed away the bridge, effectively severing a critical trade link between Migori Town and the Isebania/Sirare border with Tanzania.
Senator Oketch is demanding a definitive reconstruction timeline and a disclosure of funds allocated for these repairs in the 2025/2026 financial year.
“Its closure is causing severe economic disruption because this road serves as a primary trade artery with the United Republic of Tanzania,” part of the parliament of Kenya statement read.
“The Migori Senator tasked the Committee on Roads, Transportation, and Housing to produce a definitive timeline for the bridge’s reconstruction, disclose the specific funds allocated in the 2025/2026 financial year for these repairs, and explain how the National and County Governments are collaborating to restore connectivity for local traders.”
Financial relief for local producers
The senator further championed the financial relief of local producers through a request for a statement on the waiver of Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC) loans owed by farmers in Migori County who were affected by the 2011-2014 drought.
He noted that many farmers are still struggling with debts incurred over a decade ago when a severe drought led to massive crop failures and significant financial losses.