NASA and Jubilee supporters in Laare. [Photo/Daily Nation]
Tension has gripped Laare, in Igembe North, Meru county as Jubilee and NASA supporters engaged each other ahead of a NASA rally led by opposition chief Raila Odinga in the region.
The supporters have been spotted engaging each other in running battles in a county perceived as a Jubilee stronghold owing the huge chunk of votes President Uhuru Kenyatta garnered in the August 8 polls.
Latest reports reaching our scribes, indicate that the NASA rally has been called off following the tension in the area after, alleged Jubilee supporters burned down the podium that was to be used by Raila Odinga to address the public.
Kenyans from different walks of life have taken to the social media to condemn the unfortunate incidents in Laare. Here are some of their sentiments.
Laare will worsen matters. If you think you can bar NASA from Mt.Kenya, what will happen when your candidate goes to other regions in Kenya
— Francis Ndirangu (@zumuni) October 17, 2017
So shameful what's happening at Laare. Shamed to be a Meru right now!! Even Police officers aren't taking action! Shindwe!! #fb
— Natyvox Mbivya (@Natyvox) October 17, 2017
Government sponsored goons in Laare pelting stones at NASA supporters ahead of #RailaInMeruI thought stone throwing is a preserve 4 Luos?
— A Karani Onsomu (@erwoti) October 17, 2017
no one will be shot, clobbered or tear gassed in laare if this was happening in Ksm several would have been killed.
— zachary odongo (@zachOdongo) October 17, 2017
Laare, Meru residents are allergic to VITENDAWILI, TIALALA and TIBIM. They only want leaders with ideas not Raila Odinga's empty rhetorics.
— Atanasi (@atanasi_) October 17, 2017
sponsored @JubileeParty supporters are blocking NASA supporters and leaders from attending rally. #RailaInMeru #Laare
— Otiende Amollo (@OtiendeAmolloh) October 17, 2017
Baba must address whether you like it or not. Laare this is not Kikuyu land
— Mwiti Erik (@ericmwiti219) October 17, 2017
They lament Raila isn't campaigning and when he does, they vandalize his rally podium and supplier equipments in Laare.
— Pius Wambui. (@Belive_Kinuthia) October 17, 2017
I feel sad for what is happening in Laare. Kenya is divided the poison has entered humans. There is Derrogatory Humanity
— Sammy K.Monoo (@sammy_monoo) October 17, 2017
People in Laare were asking if baba doesnt want elections, what was he coming here to do? to incite people that no refgorms no elections?
— moses mwangi (@mosesmwangi5) October 17, 2017
Laare happening is a clear indication that Kenya is no longer safe for Kenyans. @RailaOdinga found it easy going to London than Meru !
— Mr.Follower (@AderaKennedy) October 17, 2017
No Rally in #Laare *Tongue twister *
— Dad's Queen. (@rey_mahrl) October 17, 2017
Desperate attempts to Paint Laare as 100%Jubilee zone...sing it to the birds please. Let those who want change express themselves.....PUGA
— Rebecca Akoth (@akoth_rebecca) October 17, 2017
What happened in laare today shows Kenya is divided and no married proposal will work
— Dianc the hustler (@AmudaraDuncan) October 17, 2017
Is it true that all the police in Laare are on paternity leave ,and that is the reason for zero teargas and a peaceful protest against baba
— Missedcall (@noahasaka) October 17, 2017
Police should avoid double standards protect nasa supporters at laare...
— kipkorir kirui (@KiruiMkenya) October 17, 2017
I want to tell those Jubilee leaders never step foot in NASA Strongholds in relation to what has happened to Raila in Laare! Tibiim!
— Marcelo° (@bizzkid001_dj) October 17, 2017
Seeing what's happening in Laare,we shall revisit. They will also come to Nyanza. #NoReformsNoElections
— Victor (@vicotieno) October 17, 2017
Who will you stone when @RailaOdinga and @Ukenyatta legacy in politics comes to an end.Before you do something stupid.THINK!~Laare
— Ni Silas™ (@silasmutiti) October 17, 2017
Let me get this straight. Rowdy youth in #Laare burn down a podium, pelt NASA's entourage with stones and not ONE bullet fired by police? not ONE death? So the police can restrain itself? EXCEPT IN LUO LAND
— Mekatilili Mwenza (@MekatililiM) October 17, 2017
Dont joke with #Laare #Miraa business community,wameru hawapendi ujinga, Biashara ya miraa lazima iendelee
— TIMOTHY MBAABU (@tmbaabu) October 17, 2017