Politicians training, arming youths says MP

County Woman Rep Reginalda Wanyonyi condoling with the kin of a slain man recently. [PHOTO: DANIEL PSIRMOI/ STANDARD]

County Woman Rep Dr Reginalda Wanyonyi has sensationally claimed that prominent politicians are training and arming youths with machetes to cause violence in the region.

Speaking at the weekend during issuance of Kanduyi constituency Uwezo Funds at Kenya Medical Training College in Bungoma town, Dr Wanyonyi asked security agencies in the county to investigate and bring to book leaders planning to unleash attacks on innocent residents.

The woman rep said two pick-up trucks full of machetes were seen at Luucho village in Kabuchai Constituency while more than 50 youths are undergoing daily training at Musese market near Chwele.

She said the planned attacks will be reminiscent to what happened in April 2013 when residents were attacked and maimed at Kikechi, Mukwa and Ndengelwa villages in Kanduyi and Bumula constituencies.

Preach peace

Dr Wanyonyi claimed that on Friday last week, four people were attacked in Kimukung’i and Sikusi villages and have been hospitalised in critical condition at Bungoma County Referral Hospital.

She asked youths to steer clear of leaders who want to use them for their own selfish gain and also called on County Commissioner Mohamed Maalim to carry out investigations and arrest the culprits.

“We do not want to see our people killed and others maimed when we can stop the attacks beforehand. Leaders should be at the forefront preaching peace instead of arming youths to cause violence. Let those planning to cause chaos be arrested and brought to book,” she said.

However, in a quick rejoinder, commissioner Maalim cautioned leaders against being alarmists.

“We have not heard of any leader training or arming youths to attack innocent residents. Leaders should preach peace instead of making alarming statements which might cause unnecessary fear,” he said.

Alarming claims

Mr Maalim asked leaders to share such sensitive information with security agencies instead of uttering them in the public.

He also refuted claims that the four injured people were as a result of renewed attacks saying they were hurt while trying to recover a stolen motorbike.