Youth storm Nyong’o’s office demanding fare to attend Raila ‘swearing-in’ ceremony

Drama erupted at the Kisumu County Government offices on Monday morning after a group of youth stormed the premises, demanding facilitation to attend the swearing in of NASA leaders Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka on Tuesday, January 29.

The agitated group claimed ODM supporters from other surrounding sub-counties had already been facilitated to attend the event set to take place at Uhuru Park Grounds in Nairobi, yet Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o had “not looked into their welfare”.

Kisumu County Assembly Majority Leader Kennedy Onyango was accosted by the youth at county offices and had to part with money to be used in hiring a bus to ferry the youth to Nairobi.

The youth, majorly drawn from the Bunge La Wananchi units in Kondele, Manyatta and Obunga, accused the county leadership and local ODM members of taking the ‘swearing in’ event lightly.

The group warned of unspecified consequences to the local leaders should they fail to secure them transport ahead of Mr Odinga’s ‘oathing’.

Attempts by Kisumu County ODM vice chairman Kennedy Ajwang to restore normalcy hit a snag. However, security officers manning the busy building stayed put to ensure no ugly scenes ensued.

On Monday morning, NASA CEO Norman Magaya affirmed that the swearing in would take place at Uhuru Park despite police declaring the venue a no-go zone.

“We are swearing in Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka as the President of the Republic of Kenya and not People’s President. We have no intention, whatsoever, to change the venue for this ceremony. Option one is Uhuru Park, option two is Uhuru Park, option three is Uhuru Park and if option three is not possible, then the only option is Uhuru Park,” said a defiant Magaya.

According to Magaya, NASA leaders intend to hold a peaceful ceremony that will last for three to five hours.