Anti-riot police deployed ahead of DP Ruto’s Nyamira visit

Police officers deployed at Kebirigo Primary School. [Stanley Ongwae, Standard]

Police have lobbed tear gas at crowds forming in Nyamira County ahead of a visit to the area by Deputy President William Ruto.

A mob chanting in support of the DP braved tear gas as others left the venue.

Earlier, tension was rife at Kebirigo Primary School in West Mugirango Constituency, Nyamira County, this morning with anti-riot police at the venue where Deputy President William Ruto was expected to conduct a funds drive for bodaboda riders.

This follows unconfirmed reports that Nyamira County Commissioner Amos Mariba had cancelled the DP's planned meetings that were to be held at Kebirigo and Miriri Secondary in Kitutu Masaba.

At the time of publishing this article, the County Commissioner had not responded to the claim even after journalists sought his comment over the matter.

When contacted, the County Police Commander Catherine Mugwe said she was not on duty and was not physically present at her work station.

Members of musical bands were forced to leave Kebirigo Primary School grounds after Police ordered people who had gathered at the venue to vacate the area.

Band members leave Kebirigo Primary School grounds. [Stanley Ongwae, Standard]

West Mugirango MP Vincent Kemosi; North Mugirango legislator Joash Nyamoko and his Kitutu Masaba counterpart Shadrack Mose said the meeting was well planned and they had not received any communication halting it.

Kitutu Masaba MP criticized the move saying the fund drive would have helped the youth in the county.

MP Kemosi said, “Political rallies were stopped, but you cannot stop a president’s meeting and you cannot stop deputy president’s meeting.”

The MPs insisted the planned fundraiser activities have to go on and even assured the people that Ruto will attend the event at 2PM after finishing a Cabinet meeting he had to attend this morning.

[Story recast to include the tear-gassing of crowds]

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