A section of elected leaders in Murang’a Monday condemned chaos witnessed in Kenol town on Sunday before a fundraising event that was attended by Dr. Deputy President William Ruto.
The leaders led by the governor Mwangi wa Iria accused MPs Ndindi Nyoro (Kiharu) and his Kandara counterpart Alice Wahome of organizing the event without involving other leaders.
The leaders said the people who caused the mayhem which left two people dead were ferried from outside the county.
They argued that even the leaders who accompanied the deputy president instead of engaging in the fundraising event embarked on hurling insults to other county leaders absent.
Wa Iria said the county has been peaceful but people from other counties occasioned the skirmishes leading to destruction of merchandise of business people in the town.
He said the losses the people incurred should be compensated by Ndindi and Wahome accusing them of being behind the chaos.
On Sunday morning, bloody chaos was witnessed within Kenol town after two groups for and against the DP clashed.
Police confirmed the two deaths during the skirmishes which saw involvement of police to bring order before the church function at the local AIPCA church proceeded.
“We will not allow any other function involving leaders to be done in the county without our involvement. I vow to be master of ceremony during those functions because we need peace in Murang’a,” said Wa Iria.
On her part, Murang’a women rep Sabina Chege distanced herself from claims that she was among the planners of the chaos saying she was busy engaged in other church activities.
“I condemned the leaders who insulted me accusing me of being behind the fracas. It’s unfortunate that some people think they are above the law and want to taint the reputation of others,” posed Chege.
Murang’a Senator Irungu Kang’ata termed the incident as unfortunate saying leaders should avoid engaging in early campaigns.
He said as leaders they will not allow a similar incident to happen in the county saying as leaders, they will support the families who lost their loved ones.
“We will remain united and not allow a similar incident to happen again in this county. Let leaders from outside the county respect elected leaders in this county,” added Kang’ata.
Mathioya MP Peter Kimari dismissed those claims he was behind the chaos saying the people who attended the function need to shed light on the real planners of the mayhem.
He said the group behind the deputy also is currently planning to have a function in his constituency without involving him. “Everyone is welcome in Mathioya but I plead with them not to bring chaos in my constituency. Come peacefully conduct your fundraiser and leave us in peace,” said Kimari.
Maragua MP Mary Waithera said despite the occasion being held in her constituency, she was not aware of the event calling leaders to stop early campaigns.
Waithera said it was a shame for lives to be lost during such events asking leaders to restrain from inciting people against each other.
Other MPs present included Muturi Kigano (Kangema), Joseph Nduati (Gatanga) and scores of local MCAs.
By Bernard Munyao
