By Renson Buluma 

One person was injured in a scuffle over jobs in Busia town.

A section of the town remained a no-go zone for the better part of the day as youths fought over the allocation of Kenya Revenue Authority jobs. One of them is said to have succumbed to injuries during the fracas but police denied the claims. 

“No life was lost during the brawl. One person suffered injuries and was taken to Busia District Hospital where he was admitted in critical condition,” said Busia OCPD Kenneth Kimani. Business in the border town was paralysed as the rowdy youths engaged in battle using crude weapons at Busia Customs yard.

According to Linet Nasimiyu, a witness, a group of 15 youth stormed the customs yard and attempted to forcibly displace another group of youth from loading timber into waiting trucks.

However, the second group resisted resulting into a fight that attracted others. “Were it not for the intervention of the police, the war would have been fatal as youth were using all sorts of crude weapons,” said Nasimiyu.

He added one youth was taken to hospital after he was found lying unconscious in a tunnel after being hit by a blunt object.

The fight disrupted business at the border town, with traders opting to close their business for fear of looters.

Busia Boda Boda Association chairman Eric Makokha said a number of youth decided to join the fight because they were not happy with the behaviour of the group of the 15 youths. He claimed the group was behind criminal activities in the town.

“People are fed up with the group and were out to teach them a lesson,” said Makokha.

Tribal animosity

He claimed the group was enjoying the support of a local politician and protection from a senior police officer.

The OCPD said four suspects were arrested and would be arraigned in court once investigation is complete. Leaders in Busia County led by Councilor Jack Wambulwa condemned the youth for taking the law into their hands instead of solving their disputes amicably.

“We are in electioneering period and youth should not behave in a manner that is likely to create animosity among tribes,” said Wambulwa.