Several people have been injured after violence erupted following an empowerment drive attended by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and President William Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet in Webuye West, Bungoma County.
According to The Standard, the incident occurred at Matulo Girls High School shortly after the leaders and other Kenya Kwanza politicians had left the venue. The event had been organised to support boda boda operators and improve their livelihoods.
Phones Stolen as Branded T-Shirts Burnt
The report states that a group of armed youths stormed the venue, allegedly assaulted participants, stole phones and cash, and burnt T-shirts bearing Ford Kenya and United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party colours.
The youths also reportedly barricaded the Webuye–Eldoret Highway and burnt tyres, disrupting traffic. Some attendees fled for safety as the situation deteriorated.
The incident turned an event intended to support local transport operators into a scene of violence, raising concerns about the safety of residents attending community and political gatherings.
Boda Boda Leaders Call for Investigation
Bungoma County Boda Boda chairman Alex Kisuya said the empowerment meeting had proceeded peacefully before violence broke out after the leaders departed.
According to The Standard, Kisuya alleged that the youths demanded KSh 500 each from money raised for boda boda operators. He called on police to investigate the incident and arrest those found responsible.
Kisuya also warned against involving outsiders in disputes affecting registered boda boda operators, saying community empowerment programmes should not be disrupted by political interests.
Senator Wafula Wakoli condemned the violence, expressing concern that an initiative meant to improve livelihoods had been overshadowed by the incident. He called for investigations, accountability and the recovery of those injured.
Questions Raised Over Political Violence
The incident comes amid growing political mobilisation ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Election. However, claims about who organised or financed the attack require investigation and should not be treated as established facts.
Police investigations will be important in determining the circumstances surrounding the violence and identifying those responsible.
Community empowerment events are intended to support livelihoods and bring people together. Residents deserve to participate in such gatherings without fear of assault, theft or intimidation.