Chaos disrupted Deputy President William Ruto’s tour of Kondele Ward in Kisumu County after his convoy ran into a hostile reception of rowdy youths.
In his second day of his tour of the Nyanza region to campaign for his presidential bid, Ruto ran into a section of the youth who started chanting pro-Orange Democratic Movement leader Raila Odinga slogans.
Local residents were seen hurling stones at the deputy president’s convoy triggering a clash with police officers who battled to contain the situation.
Anti-riot police officers were forced to lob teargas canisters, forcing the rowdy youth, that had thronged the area scampering for safety.
Ruto accused his rivals of hiring youth to throw stones saying Kisumu is also Kenya.
“We must get rid of the leaders who hire young people to throw stones.”
Last month, at least eight people were arrested over the violence witnessed during Ruto’s political rally in Busia.
Youths lit bonfires, blocked the road and pelted Ruto’s convoy with stones.
A section of UDA officials were caught in the crossfire including Siaya County UDA Party coordinator Pamela Ongoma whose vehicle was damaged.
The youth even attempted to disrupt Ruto’s rally in Busia town before they were repulsed by anti-riot police.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i condemned the incident and directed the police to arrest any politician sponsoring violence against their opponents, saying the government will not condone politics of chaos ahead of the general election.
“Our differences of opinion, policies and political affiliation is not good enough reason to cause instability in the country. Let’s stop encouraging our people to leave lawless life,” Matiangi said.
Cases of political intolerance have been witnessed in recent weeks as political leaders traverse various parts of the country to consolidate support for the 2022 political face-off.
