Several injured, hotel burnt as rival youths supporting Samuel Atandi and Martin Otienoclash in Siaya over 2022 elections

Several injured, hotel burnt as chaos break out over 2022 elections

Charles Ouma

January 27, 2019 6:01 PM

3 suspects arrested on Sunday will be arraigned in court

File image of a police veicle during a patrol by police

Police have arrested three suspects in connection with chaos over 2022 elections that erupted in Siaya County, leaving several people injured and property of unknown value destroyed including a hotel.

The Saturday night chaos was sparked by a group of youths who differed on who would win the Alego/Usonga parliamentary seat in 2022 between the incumbent Samuel Atandi and businessman Martin Otieno.

Reports reaching Pulselive.co.ke indicate that a youth supporting Mr. Otieno pounced on a supporter of Mr. Atandi, raining kicks and blows on him before others joined.

Matters quickly degenerated into chaos with other youths joining either side in the Saturday night incident while others scampered for safety.

One of the group set a hotel belonging to one of their rivals on fire.

Confirming the incident, Siaya County Police Commander Ambrose Mwakawa stated that the suspects would be arraigned in court on Monday.

DP Ruto tells Kenyans to ignore unfolding polical events

Meanwhile, Deputy President William Ruto has urged Kenyans not be anxious about the ongoing political events in the country.

DP William Ruto during the church service at the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) Enchorro Emuny, Ngong Pulse Live Kenya

Speaking at Enchorro Emuny Presbyterian Church of East Africa in Ngong, the DP called on Kenyans to embrace peace and politics that is founded on issues of development.

“We are past the elections period. This is not the time to talk about the politics of succession but the time to serve Kenyans. We have a country that we must ensure it goes places,” said the DP Ruto.

His remarks come in the wake of rising political temperatures sparked by 2022 succession politics and the elevation of CS Fred Matiangi to a position similar to Chief Minister, a development that has sparked raging debate on DP’s role.

Charles Ouma