Six injured in Makueni County political thuggery

One of the victims of the Makueni chaos lies at Makueni Level Four hospital

Makueni is the latest county to experience political thuggery.

Six people were shot and injured last Tuesday during a confrontation between elected leaders gathered at the assembly grounds and a group led by Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana.

The shots were fired when a mob led by the governor stormed the venue where the  leaders were allegedly meeting for prayers. From there, the leaders had planned to attend a public rally at which they were to hit out at the governor over alleged corruption.

Those injured in the incident included Prof Kibwana's bodyguard William Kinoti, County Chief of Staff Douglas Mbilu, County Assembly Sergeant at Arms Brian Mutua, former councillor Francis Musyoka and pastor Festus Nyamai. They were taken to Makueni General Hospital.

The chaos also resulted in the mob uprooting the assembly's signboard and setting the vegetation nearby on fire, causing panic among traders who were forced to close their shops hurriedly.

Makueni Divisional Police Commander Philip Opiyo said investigations were going on to established the identities of those involved in the shooting, adding that those found guilty would face the law.

Police boss David Kimaiyo on Wednesday ordered the culprits arrested.

He said the police must be notified of any meetings and the planners must be prepared to take responsibility for criminal activities during such gatherings.

Senior detectives from Nairobi were dispatched to the county headquarters in Wote town to investigate the incident.

Two bodyguards have since been charged in a Makueni court.