Supporters of rivals clash over verdict

Police officers whisk away a man in Othaya after supporters of Wambui clashed with those of her rival Peter King’ara.  [PHOTOS: FIDELIS KABUNYI and MOSE SAMMY/STANDARD]

By NDERITU GICHURE and MOHAMMED DOYO

Chaos broke out in Othaya Thursday moments after the Supreme Court suspended next Tuesday’s by-election. Supporters of former MP Mary Wambui and her rival Peter King’ara clashed, forcing police to intervene.

Tension remained high in the area following the chaos that lasted for hours.

Police had a hard time dispersing the fighting supporters who also engaged the officers in running battles.

Angered by the ruling of the Supreme Court, King’ara supporters had gathered to hold a peaceful demonstration but police disallow it.

On the other hand, Wambui supporters were elated by the decision much to the chagrin of King’ara followers.

Two candidates

According to Othaya OCPD George Ouko, police received information that supporters of the two candidates were grouping with the intention of holding demonstrations.

A continent of about 30 anti-riot police moved in to avert a possible bloody confrontation.

One of King’ara’s campaigners Patrick Wamae described the court ruling as unfair and not sensitive to residents’ plight as most of them were prepared for the mini-poll.

Ouko said police would patrol the area to ensure the situation does not get out of hand.

“We have measures in place to ensure peaceful by-elections if the court gives a verdict that the voters go back to the ballot,” he said.