Police on Saturday stopped a meeting convened by Ford-Kenya leader Moses Wetang’ula at the home of Malava MP Malulu Injendi.
The meeting was to strategise on the political direction for the Luhya community ahead of 2022 presidential poll.
A contingent of anti-riot place set up road blocks along the Kakamega-Malava road, cutting off traffic to the home of the MP.
Police officers were forced to lob teargas canisters to disperse a crowd at the home of the MP.
Mr Wetang’ula and a group of MPs later converged at the Kakamega Sports Club after attending the burial of Luanda MP Christopher Omulele’s mother.
SOCIAL DISTANCING
Western Region Police Commander Peris Kimani said the meeting could not proceed because it contravened the Covid-19 social distancing guidelines by the Ministry of Health.
“I have given firm instructions to the county commanders in Vihiga and Kakamega to enforce the law and ensue the guidelines are observed by everybody. We will not allow the meeting to proceed,” said Ms Kimani.
Several MPs, including former chief whip in the National Assembly Benjamin Washiali, had managed to gain access the home of Mr Malulu.
Mr Malulu said he will not be intimidated by the move by police to stop the meeting.
“We have made choices and we know choices have consequences. There is no turning back in our crusade to back a presidential candidate of our choice,” said Mr Malulu.
Earlier Saturday, Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi, an ally of ODM leader Raila Odinga was forced to cut short his speech during Luanda MP Chris Omulele’s burial.
LUHYA UNITY
The legislator had told off a section of Luhya leaders to stop dragging Mr Odinga’s name into the elusive Luhya unity talk.
Mr Atandi, who had represented Mr Odinga at the burial that has heavy police presence, had to cut short his speech after he was confronted by a group of rowdy youth.
The MP was forced to take cover in the compound where the funeral was being held as the police came to his rescue.
The angry mourners accused Mr Atandi of disrespecting the community and its leadership. The MP was later escorted out of the venue by the police.
Mr Atandi had accused the Luhya leaders for discussing unity at a time when the world was fighting against Coronavirus pandemic.