Chaos erupt in Eldoret as political factions clash

One of Zedekiah Kiprop Buzeki's supporter who was hit by stone by suspected youths alleged to be supporters of Governor Jackson Mandago in Eldoret. 29/04.2017. PHOTOS BY PETER OCHIENG/STANDARD.

Several people were injured Saturday when they were pelted with stones as two political rival groups clashed in Eldoret town.

Vehicles belonging to Uasin Gishu governor aspirant Zedekiah Kiprop, alias Buzeki, were extensively damaged and police were forced to lob teargas canisters and shoot in the air to disperse the rowdy crowds.

Trouble started when Buzeki’s convoy snaked its way into the town’s Central Business District (CBD) but supporters waving Governor Jackson Mandago’s posters started pelting the vehicles with stones.

Buzeki had earlier made stopovers in several estates in the town without any ugly incident.

The duo were engaged in a bruising battle for the gubernatorial seat in the just concluded Jubilee Party primaries, but Mandago trounced Buzeki.

Buzeki however contested the results, saying the nomination was marred by numerous malpractices.

“I had just landed from Nairobi and was in the process of thanking my supporters who voted for me in the nominations. The supporters of my competitor started pelting us with stones and injuring my supporters,” Buzeki said.

Mandago distanced himself from the chaos, saying he was away.