Police fire in the air as rival Khalwale, Kidero youths clash
Police had to fire several shots in the air and lob tear gas to disperse rival supporters of Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero and Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale outside a court in Nairobi.
The rival youths on Friday engaged each other in a shouting match and threw stones outside the Milimani Law Courts, where Dr Kidero has filed a defamation case against Dr Khalwale.
A combined effort of regular and Administration Police had to shield Dr Khalwale from being roughed up by the rowdy pro-Kidero youths.
This is after Justice Joseph Sergon issued fresh orders barring Dr Khalwale from making comments about Kidero in relation to the Mumias Sugar Company controversy.
The judge had earlier vacated orders blocking Dr Khalwale from commenting on Dr Kidero, saying the governor had failed to serve the Kakamega senator with the restraining orders in three days as required by the law.
Inside the court, tension was very high as pro-Khalwale youths threatened to punish Governor Kidero's supporters, whom they accused of bringing knives into the court.
The case will be heard on July 22.
Meanwhile, Dr Kidero on Friday distanced himself from the chaos.
“Problems cannot be solved through political rallies or lawless matches. The people of Nairobi need to maintain peace, love and unity,” he said.
Youths outside the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi.
Additional reporting by Venessa Nyasio
