Four killed as ODM meeting turns violent
By ELISHA OTIENO elisha_otieno@yahoo.com
Posted Monday, December 12 2011
Four people died in Rongo District in Kenya after an ODM meeting turned violent at the weekend.
Rival factions believed to be supporting two politicians clashed at Kitere trading centre during a ceremony to open ODM office.
The two politicians were, however, absent from the scene during the Sunday evening bloody violence.
Trouble began when a group of armed youths arrived in three matatus and exchanged bitter words with the already seated guests.
Pangas and machetes
According to witnesses, the confrontation culminated in violence as rival factions attacked each other with all manner of weapons, including pangas (machetes).
Within a few minutes, three men lay lifeless in a pool of blood, as scores limped to the nearby sugar cane plantations with injuries.
The fourth person — also a man — died a few hours later at St Joseph’s Mission Hospital Ombo in Migori Town where he was admitted.
The bodies of the middle-aged men are in a local hospital mortuary as their families make burial arrangements.
The few lucky ones who escaped from the scene unscathed vowed never to take part in any politics in future. They condemned political thuggery in the area.
Riot police came moments later and fired in the air several times to disperse the fighting youths.
Some of the youths, who seemed intoxicated, dared the police to shoot at them saying, “we are defending the integrity of our party”.
District police boss Fredrick Lai said they had arrested three people for interrogation over the incident.
“It seems one group was opposed to the opening of the ODM office, which necessitated the attack,” the senior police officer said.
Fierce fighting
He said quick response by police averted more deaths that may have occurred as a result of the fierce fighting. The violence occurred barely a few metres away from the Moi University Kitere campus.
Peace in the otherwise quite village was disrupted by the violence as police officers fired gunshots in the area. Blood was splashed all over the place where the party office was to be located.
Source: Nation
Other Recent Top Ajabu News
Fun, laughter and tight security as Kenyans celebrate
Gambian elected new ICC Chief Prosecutor
Four killed as ODM meeting turns violent
Officials abruptly reveal “bank statement” after media report
Sex abuse in immigrant detention at center of storm
There is little doubt, Kenyans have nothing to be proud of
Differences of opinion cause delay of donated hunger funds remittance
Kenyans in the US will meet the new elections team
Tough new vote law paves way for 2012
Lands officials fired in shake-up
Cancer claims another Kenyan in Boston
Kenyan female medical students should speak up against sex abuse
Ugandan pastor gets a surprise Thanksgiving gift
Kenyans in Diaspora may miss out 2012 poll
East Africans loose millions in Japan car racket
Hunger fund raising committee thanks donors
Foreclosed home owners re-occupy their homes
The global revolt of 2011
Moving Kenyan elections to December 2012 is a bad idea
Doctors amputate frostbitten feet of Kenyan runner
Pope celebrates mass in voodoo heartland
US troops to stay in Uganda until Kony is found
Nun ditches 'husband', picks love brewed in church
US troops to stay in Uganda until Kony is found
Pope celebrates mass in voodoo heartland
Kenyan MPs fight to double home loans to Sh6bn
Battle for Diaspora votes gathers pace
Kenyans in the Diaspora asked to help shape the next elections
Careers:Tax Preparers, Insurance Agents, Contributors
Why Diaspora vote could be game-changer
Kalonzo roots for Diaspora seat in Parliament
Sexual abuse:Penstate vs Immigration detention centers
Kenyan University Workers’ Unions must talk to the Government
New documents detail sex abuse of detained immigrants
Global Fund withholds shs700b for AIDS drugs over gay rights
Raising Cain in post racial America
Israel pledges support for Kenya’s operation against terror group
Back to home page
|
