Youth in political rivalry fracas arrested

By Munene Kamau

Police in Maua have arrested 20 people after a group of youths attempted to disrupt a church service attended by Energy Minister Kiraitu Murungi, Assistant minister Peter Munya and various political aspirants.

The rowdy youths, aboard two Pickup trucks, made rounds near a Methodist church shouting The National Alliance slogans.

Police were forced to lob tear gas canisters and fire in the air to disperse the youths who wanted to force their way into the church compound. They also commandeered two vehicles, fitted a public address system to one of the vehicles and branded it with TNA colours.

And yesterday, Igembe South MP Mithika Linturi confirmed the arrested youths were his supporters.

“I am at the Maua Police Station right now trying to secure the release of the two vehicles and the 20 suspects being held here,” he said.

Share platform

Police arrested Linturi, in whose constituency the church service was being held, but released him afterwards. The MP was arrested as he left of the church. While in the church, Linturi had told the gathering although he had never shared a political platform with either Kiraitu or Munya, the duo was welcome into the area as any other Kenyans.

“I have never shared a political platform with neither Kiraitu nor Munya but I share their political ideals. Being Kenyans and aspiring for various leadership positions, they are free to come and sell their manifestoes like anyone else,” Linturi told the worshipers.

Later Kiraitu and Munya addressed a crowd outside the local Catholic Church grounds where they urged the Meru community leaders to preach unity and avoid divisive politics.

Defend seat

Kiraitu said leaders, regardless of their political affiliation, have an obligation to urge their supporters not to engage in criminal activities.

“Political campaigns will always come and go and leave us as the Meru community. I am appealing to all my colleagues to ensure the campaigns are peaceful,” he said.

Linturi is seeking to defend his seat on a TNA ticket. Kiraitu’s Alliance Party of Kenya is fielding a Linturi challenger.

Kiraitu is contesting the county senator position while Munya is eying the governor’s seat.Former National Bank of Kenya CEO Reuben Marambii has also expressed interest in the seat.