One dead as President Uhuru Kenyatta’s rally turns chaotic

A 21-year-old man died after chaos erupted during President Uhuru Kenyatta’s rally at the Isiolo stadium on Saturday, May 20, 2017.

The man, identified as Ibrahim Mohammed Huka, was allegedly hit by a stray bullet as police officers shot in the air to disperse supporters of three gubernatorial candidates who had turned rowdy threatening to rough up each other.

During the rally held at Isiolo stadium, supporters of Abdul Bahari (Jubilee), Governor Godana Doyo (Party for Democracy and Reforms – PDR) and Senator Mohamed Kuti (independent candidate), all who are in the gubernatorial race, engaged in a shouting match with each faction threatening to rough up the opponents.

The deceased is said to have been in the campaign team of Mr Bahari and sustained a serious head injury that led to his death.

Another supporter is also admitted at the Isiolo General Hospital after he was also hit by a bullet in the head.

Isiolo County Commissioner, George Natambeya, confirmed the incident saying that investigations have commenced and those found culpable of propagating the violence will be dealt with.

During the rally, the clashing supporters shut down National Assembly Majority Leader, Aden Duale, and area Member of Parliament, Joseph Samal, who pleaded with them to calm down and listen to the President’s address.

The President, however, made his speech despite the rowdy youth before the rally ended pre-maturely. Nobody else was allowed to address the gathering.

President Kenyatta called upon the residents to shun divisive politics and embrace each other regardless of tribe, religion or clan.

He hit out at politicians who are out to divide Kenyans along ethnic lines for their own selfish interests.

The gubernatorial race in Isiolo has attracted six candidates including Abdul Bahari (Jubilee), Governor Godana Doyo (Party for Democracy and Reforms – PDR) and Senator Mohamed Kuti (independent candidate), deputy governor Mohamed Guleid (Chama cha Mashinani), Adan Kabelo (ODM) and Anwar Kassim (Maendeleo Chap Chap).

By Josiah Mugo and Beth Kamau