[A mammoth crowd that attended Junet Mohammed reelection launching. The rally was marred with chaos. Photo/the-star]
Goons believed to be supporters of Migori Governor Okoth Obado managed to prematurely end a meeting convened by Suna East MP Junet Mohammed in which he was launching his relection bid.
Earlier, Obado had declined a request by the ODM Director of Elections to hold the meeting in Migori Stadium before the conveners settled for Posta Grounds.
Police in Migori on Monday engaged supporters of rival camps moments before the rally commenced with Obado accusing Mohammed and his rival Ochilo Ayacko of allegedly planning to open an office without involving him.
“How can my counterpart (Hassan Joho) visit Migori without my knowledge? This is undermining my presence as sitting Governor,” said Obado dismissing claims that he was a Jubilee Party sympathizer.
Realizing that the meeting had kicked off, defiant Obado, flanked by his supporters forced their way inside Posta grounds leading to unprecedented chaos.
During the fracas, Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho's bodyguard was shot on his leg under unclear circumstances with Joho hastily accusing the State of being behind the motive.
“This is not ordinary chaos because police in civilian aimed at my bodyguard and fired at least three bullets on my vehicle,” said Joho in a statement.
Kisumu Senator Anyang’ Nyong’o and his Siaya counterpart James Orengo were also among leaders caught in the fracas.
Even though the meeting had ended prematurely, Mohammed had successfully had his speakers on the podium and was later on quick to dismiss Obado as a Jubilee mole within ODM.