TWO people were injured when New Ford-K supporters attacked their ODM rivals as they left a campaign rally addressed by Prime Minister Raila Odinga in Ikolomani.
The two were among a group of six ODM supporters who were returning home after the rally at Musoli on Thursday evening. Kakamega South police boss Abdi Galgalo said a Land Rover belonging to former MP Bonny Khalwale stopped at Imalava and its occupants, armed with crude weapons beat up the six, injuring the two seriously. Beatrice Makali, 40 and Involet Muhanji, 37, are admitted at Mbale District Hospital in Vihiga. The six were singing in support of ODM when they were attacked. The police chief said he had ordered that the Land Rover be impounded and searched.
Khalwale’s supporters had before the arrival of the PM pelted their ODM opponents with stones at Musoli market as they displayed the party banner at the centre. One person believed to be a police officer was arrested. Khalwale’s convoy attempted to disrupt that of the PM as he left the venue but police managed to push it aside to allow the PM to pass
Khalwale returned to the venue and addressed people on the roadside as his supporters harassed anyone donning ODM colours. ODM campaign manager Vincent Mukhono accused the police of favouring Khalwale. He said the former MP had already received a warning and should be disqualified from the race.
While clearing candidates for the by-election on April 27, returning officer Benjamin Tarus told candidates to restrain their supporters, saying they would be held responsible for election offences committed by their people. Yesterday, Tarus said his office is waiting for investigations before taking action. Three candidates — Khalwale of New Ford Kenya, Bernard Shinali of ODM and Ford People’s Collins Matemba— are competing in the by-election.
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