Three injured as rival supporters clash as Emurua Dikirr heads to polls

 A voter was injured outside Chelemei polling station in Emurua Dikirr constituency following a clash between supporters of UDA and DCP political parties. [Peter Kipkemoi, Standard]

‎‎At least three people sustained injuries after United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Democratic for Citizen Party (DCP) supporters clashed in Emurua Dikirr.‎‎Skirmishes broke out for a few minutes at the  close of the official campaign period in Dikirr town on Tuesday evening..‎‎The by-election  was occasioned by the death of Johana Ngeno in a helicopter crash in February this year.

‎‎Witnesses said the clash between the UDA and DCP supporters erupted when the rival groups encountered each other while leaving separate campaign gatherings.‎‎What began as a verbal exchange quickly escalated into physical fighting, with supporters throwing stones and wielding crude weapons.‎‎Several people sustained injuries in the melee.‎‎Local medical staff at Dikirr Health Centre confirmed that at least three individuals were treated for deep cuts and blunt force trauma.‎‎One supporter, whose identity has not been released, suffered a severe head wound after being struck with a blunt object and was referred to Kapkatet  Hospital for advanced treatment.‎‎Police officers from Emurua Dikirr Police Station, backed by additional deployments from Transmara East Sub-County, moved swiftly to disperse the crowds and restore order.‎‎Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Abdi Hassan, who held a security meeting in the area, warned against violence during voting.‎‎Speaking after chairing the security meeting at the offices of the Trans Mara East Sub-County commissioner, Hassann declared decisive action will be taken against lawbreakers.‎‎He directed all agencies to work in close coordination, stating that “no individual will be allowed to plunge this constituency into chaos under the guise of politics.”