Police now say the violent scenes witnessed on Wednesday during Deputy President William Ruto’s visit to Kondele, Kisumu County was due to a clash between two groups on sharing of cash handouts.
In a statement to newsrooms, National Police Service spokesperson Bruno Shioso said intelligence gathered by security agencies indicated that “there was tension within Kondele owing to alleged distribution of campaign logistical funds amongst local groups”
The police spokesperson added that the DP’s team had been earlier advised not to visit Kondele based on the gathered intelligence.
“This intelligence was promptly shared by police with H.E the Deputy President’s team with a recommendation to skip the affected area during the tour… During the rally, violence erupted amongst the local agitated groups who engaged in stone-throwing and other unruly behavior,” reads the statement.
Police were forced to lob tear gas canisters to contain the situation and disperse the rowdy youth who were pelting the DP’s convoy with stones.
No injuries were immediately reported from the incident.
The deputy president left the scene and proceeded to Migori County as he advances his hustler movement campaigns in the Nyanza region.
On his part, DP Ruto blamed his rivals for the violence accusing them of advancing selfish interests.
“Kisumu hii ni Kenya. Na Kisumu hii tutahakikisha tumekomboa Kisumu kutoka mambo ya mawe,” said Ruto.
“We must get rid of the leaders who hire young people to throw stones.”
