Drama in Murang'a as leaders clash during event

Murang'a residents were on Monday treated to drama after local leaders publicly clashed druing a public function.

Tempers flared during a women empowerment function organised by nominated senator Veronica Maina at Kigumo Bendera Boys High school. 

Trouble started when Murang'a Woman representative Betty Maina arrived at the function with her supporters accompanied by her husband, Mukurwe-ini MP Eric Wamumbi.

Shortly after, Maragua MP Mary Waithera, who was the master of ceremony, invited Wamumbi to address the crowd, but he flatly declined to stand, saying he wanted to be invited by his wife.

In response, Waithera said she thought Wamumbi had attended the event in his capacity as an MP and not as Maina's spouse.

She nonetheless invited the Woman rep who went to the podium while singing vernacular songs targeted at Waithera, prompting the DJ to switch off her microphone.

After her speech that left the crowd charged, with a section cheering while others jeered, Maina invited Wamumbi but he declined to speak until Waithera had left the podium.

Waithera stood her ground saying she is an elected leader and would not be commanded in such a manner.

Whe he finally spoke, Wamumbi said Maina is a young leader and Waithera and Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome who are more experienced should nurture her.

Shortly afterwards, drama escalated and fists were exchanged between aides and supporters of the leaders, momentarily bringing the event to a standstill.

Kigumo MCA Caroline Njoroge held onto Maina in an attempt to calm her down as other leaders threw hands and mean words at each other.

The DJ played peaceful vernacular music in a bid to end the chaos, as Waithera appealed to security officers to help quell the chaos.

Calm was restored by police officers and administrators who were then forced to stand guard around the compound to stop supporters from attacking each other.

The function then continued.

After calm was restored, Wamumbi walked off the podium while pointing fingers and muttering inaudible words.

While giving her speech, Senator Veronicah Maina kept off the chaos and instead urged for peace.

Nominated MP Sabina Chege who arrived late after the chaos also urged women leaders to love and support each other.