Police arrest four youths over Kendu Bay political violence

Homa Bay Governor Cyprian Awiti addressing a crowd during a campaign rally in Ndhiwa on March 23, 2017. One person was injured after rival groups clashed in Kendu Bay town Monday evening. PHOTO | BARACK ODUOR | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Mr Awiti has accused Mr Magwanga of sponsoring goons to attack his supporters.
  • Mr Magwanga faulted officers, saying they had failed to arrest youths that he accused of throwing stones and crude weapons at his supporters.
  • In the recent past, five youths have been injured during confrontations between rival groups around Kendu Bay.

Police in Kendu Bay have arrested four youths over violence that erupted at a political rally held by supporters of Homa Bay Governor Cyprian Awiti and his rival Oyugi Magwanga.

The Monday evening chaos occurred in Kendu Bay after the rival groups engaged in physical confrontations, injuring one person.

Two other people suffered minor injuries.

The victim suffered injuries on his head after he was allegedly hit using blunt objects. He was admitted to Rachuonyo North Sub-County Hospital for treatment.

Homa Bay County police boss John Omusanga said four people had been arrested over the violence.

Mr Awiti has accused Mr Magwanga of sponsoring goons to attack his supporters.

“I condemn [incidents] of violence. My rivals should not use youths to orchestrate violence against their opponents,” said Mr Awiti.

Contacted for comment, Mr Magwanga accused police in Kendu Bay of taking sides in the matter.

Mr Magwanga faulted officers, saying they had failed to arrest youths that he accused of throwing stones and crude weapons at his supporters.

“Police should not be partial. They have failed to arrest youths allied to Governor Awiti who were throwing stones at my meeting,” said Mr Magwanga.

In the recent past, five youths have been injured during confrontations between rival groups around Kendu Bay.