Youths clash in Murang’a ahead of Ruto church fundraiser
What you need to know:
- Murang'a Senator Irungu Kang'ata condemned the chaos.
- Police threw tear gas at the rowdy youths as a heavy contingent of officers kept vigil around the AIPCA church.
A man has been killed following chaos that has erupted in Kenol town, Murang’a County as youths allied to Jubilee Party’s Tangatanga and Kieleweke factions fought Sunday morning ahead of a church fundraiser in which Deputy President William Ruto is expected to be the chief guest.
According to Murang'a South Deputy County Commissioner Mawira Mungania, the death occurred after "an incident of mob justice” in the 7.30am fracas.
He said investigations into the circumstances of the reported death are ongoing and more information will be given later.
A police officer confronts a man following the chaos in Kenol town on October 4, 2020.
Youths allied to the Kieleweke faction of Jubilee Party arrived in the town as early as 5am chanting slogans in support of President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Dr Ruto’s supporters later convened hurriedly and running battles ensued as both sides transformed Kenol town into a battlefield, causing panic and confusion.
Police used tear gas to disperse the rowdy youths.
‘Sponsored hooliganism’
Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, a supporter of DP Ruto, condemned the chaos terming it “sponsored hooliganism".
“You know the official version is we are investigating to know the relation,” Mr Nyoro said while addressing journalists in Kenol Sunday morning.
Police threw tear gas at the rowdy youths as a heavy contingent of officers kept vigil around the AIPCA church where DP Ruto is scheduled to attend Sunday service and lead a fundraiser.
DP Ruto arrives at AIPCA Kenol in Murang'a County for a fundraiser on October 4, 2020.
Murang'a Senator Irungu Kang'ata condemned the chaos.
"Stop this power struggle, it's causing the nation too much trouble [and] endangering [the] lives of innocent ones,” Mr Kang’ata tweeted.
DP Ruto arrived at at around 10.30am for the church event.
Last weekend, Kieleweke and Tangatanga MPss clashed during the burial of five family members in Kangema Constituency.
