Khalwale, rival backers clash in presence of PM

By ALLAN KISIA Hell broke loose in Shiseso village in Ikolomani when immediate former area MP Bonny Khalwale and his political rival met for a church service.
Chaos erupted after Dr Khalwale, accompanied by his supporters, bumped into Bernard Shinali’s supporters at the gate of Shiseso Catholic Church.
Prime Minister Raila Odinga and several ODM MPs were among those attending the church service.
Khalwale and Shinali are both candidates in the Ikolomani parliamentary by-election scheduled for May 23.

Prime Minister Raila Odinga introduces ODM candidate Bernard Shinali at Shiseso Catholic Church in Ikolomani, On Sunday.

Senior security officers led by Western Deputy PPO William Okello and area DC Phillip Nzungo moved in swiftly but the situation worsened.
Officers blocked Khalwale and his team from entering into the compound, rousing anger from the former MP’s supporters.
The confrontation happened just 10 metres from where Raila and his candidate, Shinali, were seated. The church service was held outdoors to accommodate the huge crowd that showed up.
For a while, efforts by officers to urge Khalwale to leave were fruitless.
A shouting match ensued before backers of the two rivals begun to push and pelt stones at each other.
Mr Okello lost his nametag in the confrontation although nobody was reported injured.
Khalwale gave up and addressed a gathering just outside the church’s compound.
He accused the Prime Minister of violating the electoral code of conduct by taking campaigns to churches.
“If you (Raila) want votes, organise rallies but don’t hide in our churches,” roared Khalwale. He further accused Raila of using public resources to campaign for his candidate.
They’re here to worshipBut in his address to the faithful, Raila steered clear of the matter.
The church priest, Father Pius Manyasa, said Raila and his team were there to worship.
“Nobody came to my church to campaign. Raila and his team were free to come as this is a place of worship,” he added.
Others who were present included assistant minister Manyala Keya and MPs Justus Kizito and Yusuf Chanzu.
Area councillor Ben Lugulu apologised on behalf of Ikolomani people to the PM for the chaos that erupted.
Mr Kizito told Khalwale to stop misbehaving in the area when there are guests around.
And Mr Shinali described Khalwale’s behaviour as a show of disrespect to the Premier. He also apologised on behalf of residents.
During the tour of the constituency, Raila gave a basket of goodies for the people. He first donated Sh100,000 to the church for an ongoing project.
Basket of goodiesHe also announced the tarmacking of the Sigalagala-Butere-Sidindi road would commence in two weeks.
“I will personally come here to commission the project,” he said, amid cheers. He said Alliance Construction Company would undertake the project.
The PM further said he would direct Public Heath and Medical Services ministers to equip health facilities in the constituency.
“Shinali told me about these problems. And I want them addressed,” he added.
Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi joined Raila for a rally at Malinya, which is Dr Khalwale’s backyard amid tight security as rumours of a possible clash did the rounds.
Raila told locals to support a party that will form the next Government while Mudavadi advised them to support a party that has a national outlook.
“ODM is a party that incorporates all communities and regions. We have all tribes in ODM,” PM said.
ODM Team on Ground“Why would you want to join a party that will probably have only two MPs in Parliament?” the minister for Local Government asked.
The ODM team held other rallies in Mutaho, Musoli, Isulu, Shikokho, Eregi, Lusui and Makhokho.
ODM has already launched campaigns in the area with assistant minister Manyala Keya and MPs Justus Kizito, Ababu Namwamba, Yusuf Chanzu, Millie Odhiambo and David Were spearheading the exercise.