Drama in Bomet as youth attempt to eject Deputy Governor

Rowdy youths caused drama outside County headquarters in Bomet on Wednesday after attempted to eject the Deputy Governor Hillary Barchok over a stalemate.

Police and security guards engaged the youth in running battles as County employees and members of the public who turned up for a prayer session scampered for safety.

At one point, a bodyguard to the deputy governor was forced to draw his gun after the youth threatened to rough him up for denying them chance to see the deputy governor.

The scenes at one point became ugly after the rowdy group faced off with another faction trying to rebel them.

A fist fight broke out with one of the youth sustaining injuries after he was hit on the head.

The incident happened shortly after a prayer session organised by interdenominational churches in the county to wish Governor Joyce Laboso a quick recovery.

Irked by summons of the day’s speaker Bishop Augustine Rugut of the Jesus Gospel Ministries rebuking move by youth on Tuesday to storm out offices, the youth led by Victor Rop and Bildad Cheruiyot accused the bishop of demeaning youth by calling them political brokers in his sermons.

The bishop was forced to leave the county premises in a huff after the youth attempted to rough him up for rebuking them in his sermon.

Calm returned at the offices after a contingent of anti-riot police officers led by Bomet Central Sub County Commander Geoffrey Walumbe arrived.

The Deputy Governor Condemned the incident accusing the rowdy youth of trying undermine him in the absence of Governor Laboso.

Barchok said he will not allow unruly youth calling themselves supporters of Laboso to derail the image of the county.

He said he was in charge of the county and will not take the attempts to undermine his leadership lying down.

“I am firmly in control of the county and those who think there is a vacuum due to the absence of Governor Laboso are wrong,” he said.

Barchok threatened disciplinary action against staff who are siding with the protesting youth.

“Staff must toe the line and respect my office,” said Barchok.

He said anyone trying to interfere with the running of the county will be dealt harshly.

Since Laboso left the country to seek treatment abroad, differences have rocked the county with in fighting over who is in control of the county taking the center stage.

Barchok, however, dismissed the claims saying he was the principal assistant and was in charge of the county at the moment.

On Tuesday, County Secretary Evaline Rono was whisked away after rowdy youth stormed his office demanding answers over arrest of one youth blowing the lead on secret employment of youth on contract.

The irate youth claimed they have been sidelined by the Laboso administration despite playing critical role in her election.