We didn’t hire goons, says Kisii County government

By KENAN MIRUKA

KISII; KENYA: The Kisii County government has refuted claims it hired hooligans to heckle certain speakers during the funeral service for the school bus accident victims.

On Thursday, Government spokesman Muthui Kariuki alleged money used to hire the hecklers was drawn from the Kisii County coffers and accused former Prime Minister Raila Odinga of being behind the heckling.

In a statement, the Kisii government said the Muthui’s remarks were “erroneous” and “reckless” and demanded an apology.

“The county government cannot stoop too low to hire hecklers to disrupt a meeting it had organised for its residents. His Excellency the President is welcome to visit Kisii County and the Governor James Ongwae enjoys a cordial working relationship with him,” read the statement in part.

Gusii leaders have condemned the events which they said are contrary to Kisii mourning traditions.

“We wish to urge those leaders who are hell-bent to create an impression that Kisii residents are divided into political party cocoons to desist from misinforming and misadvising the President.

“We urge Kisii leaders whose intention is to gain political mileage and make money by driving a wedge between the Presidency and the Governor to concentrate on worthwhile developmental activities,” the statement further said.