Chaotic scenes as opponents clash at Kisumu court

By KEVINE OMOLLO  and Nick Oluoch

Kisumu, Kenya: Chaos erupted at Kisumu Law Court after supporters of ousted Migori Governor Okoth Obado and Prof Akong’o Oyugi clashed shortly after the court nullified the former’s election.

Oyugi’s supporters tried to block Obado from getting into the official governor’s car, claiming he was no longer the county chief, prompting retaliation from his supporters.

Police dispersed the crowd and locked the court doors as the judgment of former Nyando MP Fred Outa was read in the packed chambers. Supporters of Outa, however, silently watched Jared Okelo’s supporters as they burst into celebration after the court nullified Outa’s election.

Elsewhere, the decision by the Court of Appeal to nullify Obado’s win and order for fresh polls was greeted with mixed reactions.

In Migori town, supporters of Oyugi, the petitioner, celebrated along the main Kisii-Migori highway as soon as news broke.

But there was disappointment in some parts, where Obado enjoys strong support, among them Uriri and Kehancha town.