Protesters storm Chiloba meeting in Kisumu, eat food and force guests to flee

Protesters ate food belonging to attendees of the function. [Michael Mute, Standard]

The Communications Authority of Kenya Director-General Ezra Chiloba was on Wednesday afternoon, March 15, whisked to safety after anti-President William Ruto protesters stormed a meeting Chiloba was presiding over at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sports Complex in Kisumu.

The event, marking World Consumer Rights Day, was just about to end when hundreds of protesters forced their way into the complex.

The protesters ate all the food belonging to the guests, and thereafter caused a commotion, forcing the attendees to flee.

The melee unravelled as the protesters chanted anti-Ruto slogans.

Police officers, who were providing security at the function, were forced to whisk the Communications Authority of Kenya boss, Chiloba, to safety.

During the chaos, the demonstrators ate boiled eggs, took carbonated drinks and other soft drinks.

The melee lasted 30 minutes.

Organisers of the event were left counting huge losses as a result of property destruction.

The protesters had earlier marched in Kondele before proceeding to Kisumu's central business district.

They had attempted to access the Kisumu State Lodge, but their efforts were thwarted by well-armed police officers.

The demonstrators vowed to hold the demos daily until March 20 as directed by Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya leader Raila Odinga.

Joseph Owino, who took part in the protests in Kisumu, said he was overwhelmed by the high cost of living, hence his push for a solution.

"I'm currently unable to afford two meals a day because of the high cost of living. I won't remain silent as the cost of commodities continues to shoot up," he said.