'Joho Queens' and 'Warembo na Uhuru' mock one another and heckle speakers at Mashujaa Day Celebration

The Mashujaa Day celebrations at Tononoka grounds in Mombasa County were disrupted on Thursday as Jubilee and Cord supporters clashed.

Members of two women’s groups — one affiliated to Governor Hassan Joho, known as “Joho Queens”, and that of Jubilee’s “Warembo na Uhuru” — mocked one another and heckled speakers, interrupting speeches.

“Joho Queens” also heckled Mombasa gubernatorial aspirant Ananiah Mwaboza and former Changamwe MP Ramadhan Kajembe, when the two expressed their supported for Jubilee. Mr Kajembe criticised the county government and said Jubilee would take over Mombasa come 2017. “There is no way you will stop the Jubilee government from going for the second term. You can do the political mathematics and see. There will be a fierce battle in 2017 and you will see Jubilee taking over,” said Mr Kajembe, who is also the Kenya Ferry Service chairman.

It is at this juncture that the women became furious and started shouting at the leaders, demanding that they leave the dais. “Shuka! Shuka! Shuka!” (Come down!), they shouted.

'TALK ILL'

One said: “You cannot talk ill of Mr Joho’s government when he is not here. He is our leader and you must respect him. Why not say those words when he is around? We will not allow people to insult our governor in our presence.” She was addressing the police officers who intervened to calm down the situation.

Nyali MP Hezron Awiti, who had stood up to speak, was forced to wait for several minutes after his supporters, who seemed to be in the same camp with those of Jubilee, started shouting at Mr Joho’s group.

Mombasa County Commissioner Evans Achoki criticised the women “for disrespecting the national celebrations.

“This is a national event and not a political meeting. You should respect it and wait for political rallies, where you will go and show support to whoever you want. This is disrespectful and we will not wish to see a repeat of at any other national event,” said Mr Achoki.

When Deputy Governor Hazel Katana, who was representing the governor stood up to speak, the “Warembo na Uhuru” walked away. Ms Katana criticised the women, terming them cowards.

 “I urge you, my fellow women, to respect this event because it is of a national importance. We should wait for political rallies but for now, we know our county head is none other than Joho,” she said.