It started with serious disagreements over how the distribution of relief food from the county government was to be done. 

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There were also claims of favouritism.

The disagreements turned nasty and violent as people started throwing blows and destroying the relief food. 

Within no time, armed police officers showed in a bid quell the situation and disperse the people. 

A melee ensued as officers engaged protesters in running battles. 

Projectiles were hurled by the irate protesters at the officers who charged at them. 

Warning shots were fired and one protester was hit in the leg and had to be carried to safety. 

Some of the protesters were beaten as the police battled to bring the situation under control. 

In a video shared online, uniformed police officers are seen confronting the protesters who scatter.

Armed with shields and cudgels, the officers run after the protesters.

Those not lucky enough are hit.

Rice spilled on the ground and burning is seen in the distressing video. 

The Mohamud Ali administration had not issued a statement on the mayhem at the time of writing this article. 

Social media users criticised the law enforcement officers over their use of excess force. 

No deaths were reported in the confrontation.