Did Ruto plan Kisumu chaos for political expediency?

• Nov 10, 2021

A police officer identified as Sergeant Robert Kimeto attached to Londian Police Station in Rift Valley has been arrested in Kisumu for lobbying a teargas canister at United Democratic Alliance (UDA) rally in the sprawling Kondele slum.

Kimeto triggered anxiety, panic, commotion and pandemonium culminating in a stampede as residents fled for safety.

It is yet to be established what an officer from Rift Valley was doing outside his jurisdiction.

His action saw chaos rock the Deputy President William Ruto’s tour of Kondele Ward in Kisumu Central Sub-County.

The DP was on the second day of his tour of the Nyanza region to campaign for his presidential bid.

The residents chanted pro-ODM leader Raila Odinga slogans during Ruto’s address but were peaceful.

After Kimeto lobbied the teargas canister, Ruto was forced to cut short his speech as police engaged the youths in running battles. The situation was contained.

Earlier, while speaking in Kisumu city, Ruto asked residents to shun tribal politics.

He said if elected president, he would include Nyanza issues in the country’s development plan.

He said small scale traders across the country were ready for a sensible conversation that will offer them opportunities and make them put food on the table.