Nandi county chief of staff injured in chaos

Police were deployed to restore calm after chaos erupted at an anti-referendum rally in Kapsabet, Nandi County.

The rally was organised by United Republican Party (URP) branch officials to counter the 'Pesa Mashinani' campaigns led by Governor Cleophas Lagat.

Trouble started after a group of pro-referendum youths attempted to disrupt the rally but were repulsed by the opponents of the national vote.

The governor's chief of staff Timon Kosgey who was in the group sustained serious head injuries and was rushed to Kapsabet District Hospital for treatment. He was scheduled to be airlifted to Nairobi for specialised treatment.

It ended prematurely when pro-referendum supporters who included personal assistants of County Executives sought to disrupt the anti-referendum rally.

Enraged residents accosted the goons before arrival at the rally venue where chaos erupted. Several supporters of the governor were seriously wounded as security agents arrived at the scene to quell the chaos.

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Nandi residents led by United Republican Party (URP) branch officials yesterday denounced Governor Lagat's stand on the referendum, terming the governor, his deputy Dominic Chepyagan, Nandi-Hills MP Alfred Keter and some Members of the County Assembly as "backstabbers who had betrayed Deputy President Wiliam Ruto".

URP national executive officer David Koech and branch chairman Sammy Choge issued a statement to oppose the current calls for the referendum, for which Lagat has publicly declared support.

Accompanied by Senator Stephen arap Sang, Woman Representative Zipporah Kerring, MPs Cornelly Serem (Aldai), Elijah Lagat (Chesumei) and Kirwa Bittok (Mosop), 25 MCAs and Nandi Council of Elders, the party leaders rejected referendum calls and asked the governor and his deputy to toe the party line.

"It is in the interest of Nandi to protect URP's reputation. The Nandi URP branch and residents hereby declare that we stand with President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto in saying no to the referendum," said Mr Choge.

He said the party expects the governor, his deputy, rebel MCAs and Keter to tow the party line or risk disciplinary action.

Residents threatened to vandalise a car which was carrying 'Yes for Referendum' placards which were being ferried to the rally. By the time of going to press, Lagat had not been reached for comment.