A woman was injured when police shot at demonstrators who had blocked the Kisumu-Busia road to protest a decision to block the construction of the Busia Sugar Factory.
The incident came as Governor Sospeter Ojaamong joined more than 30 Members of County Assembly (MCAs) for the hearing of the case at Bungoma High Court before Justice Samuel Mukunya.
A farmer, Linus Asiba, had obtained a licence for the peaceful demonstration which lasted four hours with activities along the busy highway linking Kenya and Uganda paralysed.
Sources said the woman who was in a nearby hotel, was shot in the left eye by a police officer who engaged the demonstrators in running battles.
Irate residents commandeered a police vehicle to Busia County referral hospital where she was admitted.
The Busia Medical Superintendent, Janerose Ambuchi, said the woman was in stable condition, adding that an x-ray established that there was no bullet lodged in her head.
USED CARTRIDGE
Nominated MCA, Mohammed Noor visited the shooting scene and collected a spent cartridge.
At the High Court in Bungoma, Justice Mukunya heard the application from lawyers on whether three interested parties; Busia county government, Kenya Sugarcane Growers Association and Bukhayo Elders Association should be enjoined in the case.
The judge fixed the ruling on inclusion of the three parties on December 9 with the main case set for December 17.
The interim order now halts the construction of the sugar factory which was extended to December 10.
A resident, Joseph Ojwang' moved to have the construction of the factory at Busibwabo stopped over claims that due process was not followed in the issuance of a licence by National Environment Management Authority.
Speaking outside the court, Ojaamong said yesterday's peaceful demonstration was meant to send signals to the national government that the residents want their first factory.
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He said the factory will create employment saying the petitioner was trying to sabotage development.
Members of the Busia County Assembly on Friday threatened to paralyse transportation of goods through Busia and Malaba border points if the Government fails to resolve wrangles surrounding the construction the sugar factory.
In a special assembly sitting, angry MCAs said starting Monday they will mobilise locals to block all heavy commercial vehicles from entering or exiting the country through the two border points.
"It will be a peaceful demonstration but with massive economic repercussions. We want to send a strong statement to the authorities that we are tired of sugar cartels that operate in Busia. We want our sugar factory," said Lucas Wakuloba, Matayos South Ward rep.
Deputy Speaker, Moses Ote said those opposed to the construction of the factory were out to economically sabotage the county.
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