Police use teargas to disperse Ruto's supporters in Nyamira ahead of DP visit
Police officers in Nyamira County used teargas to disperse crowds that were awaiting Deputy President William Ruto at Kebirigo High School.
The DP was scheduled to arrive at the area on Thursday after a cabinet meeting in Nairobi.
The officers entered the school compound and told a band playing music to stop before ordering them out saying no function would take place at the venue.
"Following that order, you have a few minutes to vacate this place as soon as you can," a senior police officer was heard saying.
Earlier in the day, the DP's advance team had already arrived at the venue in preparation of Ruto's visit.
However, West Mugirango MP Vincent Kemosi said the meeting was very lawful and condemned the County Commissioner Amos Marina for sending police to disrupt the meeting.
"We had a chat with the County Commissioner last week and agreed the meeting was going on as planned but unfortunately he has decided to disrupt the meeting," said Kemosi.
The legislators insisted the meeting will go on as planned as the DP is expected in the county and at the venue by 2.00 pm.
Image: MAGATI OBEBO
"We are not cowards. Nothing will make us relent on helping our young youths by empowering them," said Mose.
North Mugirango MP Joash Nyamoko also said the meeting will not be stopped at any given point.
"The DP is arriving at the venue by 2.00 pm and we will be there to welcome our leader as it was planned, said Nyamoko.
This comes a day after the National Security Advisory Committee led by Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua warned against campaigns that it said were being used to incite millions of jobless youth.
"We want to tell the police that whoever is expected here is not a village elder but a Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya and the second in command, we will have a meeting whether they like it or not! We will not bow to mere pressures whatsoever," Kemosi noted.
He warned the officials from the Interior Ministry will not intimidate the DP's brigade.
"Their days are numbered at the Interior Ministry and they cannot intimidate or threaten us. We are not cowards," he said.
Kitutu Masaba MP Shadrack Mose said the meeting was meant to help our youths establish themselves, instead of being criminals in the community.
NSAC fired a warning salvo to those whose campaign messaging they said attacked personal rights that may trigger discrimination based on economic status.
According to the security organ, such speeches offend the National Cohesion and Integration Act, which bars speeches that “may trigger discrimination on the basis of ethnic background, economic status, race, religion or associations.”
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission on Sunday warned against the hustler versus dynasty narrative, saying the dichotomy is genocidal.
Kinyua directed that all public gatherings and processions, irrespective of the social, political and economic status of those who convene them, must be approved by police at least three days in advance.
In addition, the convener must always be present throughout the meetings or processions and shall assist the police in the maintenance of law and order at the event.
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