Bodyguards muddle at Ida, Raila function

 Youths engaged in a push and pull during an attempt to bar Governors Cyprian Awiti and Anyang’ Nyong’o from entering a construction site at Ogande Girls Secondary School. [James Omoro, Standard]

Confusion marred a function hosted by ODM Leader Raila Odinga and wife Ida Monday when some VIPs bodyguards clashed on who would gain access to the grounds.

Ida who was with Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i and Education CS George Magoha was holding a groundbreaking ceremony for the Dr Ida Odinga Library, Research, Innovation and Resource Center.

Trouble started when a group of security guards blocked Homa Bay County Assembly Speaker Elizabeth Ayoo from gaining access into the school principal’s office where Ida, Matiang’i and other leaders were.

The County Assembly Chief Sergeant ‘Awiti Boy’, clashed with security officials manning the door to allow Ayoo entry.

The altercation nearly turned physical before being quelled by some security guards.

Minutes later, another clash occurred at the gate of the construction site. Security officers who were manning the gate attempted to bar Homa Bay Governor Cyprian Awiti and his Kisumu counterpart Anyang’ Nyong’o from entering the site. At the time, Matiang'i, Ida and other guests were already inside.

The attempt saw a mob and police officers engage in a scuffle at the gate. [James Omoro, Standard]

The attempt saw youth and police officers engage in a scuffle at the gate.

The push and pull continued until one person shouted to the police that the leaders who were behind the youths were indeed governors.

“You are blocking governors who are supposed to enter the construction site!” a young man shouted.

Upon realizing their mistake, the police officers then opened the gate for Ny’ong’o and Awiti.

No one was injured in the scuffle.