Youth shout down MP in Kirinyaga

What you need to know:

  • It took the intervention of the ant-riot police to restore calm. The officers charged at the warring groups sending them fleeing in different directions.

Mashujaa Day celebrations were disrupted when supporters of Kirinyaga Central MP Gachoki Gitari engaged hostile youths in a fierce battle at Kerugoya Stadium.

A man was injured in the melee and was taken to a nearby hospital where he was treated and discharged on Monday.

Chaos erupted when unruly youths stormed the venue of the event and started booing the MP as he addressed residents. The shouting forced the MP to cut his speech short.

Unable to take it anymore, the MP’s supporters confronted the youths and a fight broke out. They exchanged kicks and blows as Deputy County Commissioner Mathias Chishambo and other senior government officials watched in disbelief.

It took the intervention of the ant-riot police to restore calm. The officers charged at the warring groups sending them fleeing in different directions.

A man was arrested but later released after recording a statement with the police.

Mr Gitari accused his political opponents of hiring the youths to boo him and disrupt the celebrations.

“No amount of intimidation will stop me from attending national day celebrations and addressing the people who elected me,” he said.

Mr Chishambo criticised the youths and warned that those found to be causing trouble will be arrested and brought to court.