Migori Governor Okoth Obado (in checked shirt) addresses supporters, some of whom were discharged from the Migori referral hospital. [PHOTO/the-star.co.ke]
Matters turned ugly in Migori town on Friday after supporters of Migori Governor Okoth Obado and key rival Ochilo Ayako clashed following a NASA rally.
This came after ODM candidate Obado hosted the event as former cabinet minister Ayako, who is running as an independent, decided to skip the function.
Trouble began when ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi began chanting the ‘NASA hao’ slogan.
“NASA wote. NASA [President Uhuru Kenyatta]. NASA [DP William Ruto]. NASA wote, NASA Ochillo,” he told the charged crowd as others began leaving the packed Migori county stadium.
Soon after, some youths converged at the Posta grounds a short distance away and began jeering at each other, something that culminated into vehicles being stoned and dignitaries being harassed.
Anti-riot police officers had to use teargas canisters to separate the crowds as traders closed their businesses to prevent looting.
“So far, we can’t blame any of the two candidates. We are investigating the matter. By Saturday several witnesses had recorded statements," said Migori CID commander Benedict Kigen on Sunday as quoted by the Star.
He added that nobody has been arrested and that police do not know what triggered the chaos.