Gubernatorial aspirants in Migori have taken more security measures in public gatherings after unknown suspects hauled tear gas canisters at three functions in the past.
Politicians have resorted to hiring armed police officers, increasing the number of personal security, personal vetting of guests and changing vehicles.
On December 18, chaos erupted when Senator Ochillo Ayacko rose to address a gathering in Ragana ward.
An unidentified man hurled a tear gas canister as people scampered for safety.
Although there were no police officers at the scene, the senators' security details swiftly responded before calm was restored.
The attacker escaped on a motorcycle during the ensuing melee as several gunshots were fired in the air during the melee.
Ayacko termed the incident as provocation from his rivals who have sensed his quest to replace Governor Okoth Obado.
It came barely a month after county secretary Christopher Rusana was attacked while launching his gubernatorial bid on November 26, almost one kilometre from the same venue.
Rusana had convened elders and opinion leaders from Suna East and Suna West constituencies for endorsement and blamed the attack on his rivals.
“The targeted attack has proven that people who keep saying I have no support base have panicked, by lobbing teargas in this function. We are strong and nothing will stop our march to form the next government,” Rusana said.
On September 17, a tear gas canister was lobbed at ODM delegates in Maranatha Hall which disrupted ODM politician Jimmy Wanjigi’s presidential bid.
On Saturday at Nyamome Primary School in Migori town, Migori Woman Representative Pamela Odhiambo arrived in a Toyota Probox vehicle alongside her husband.
Armed officers were on standby as guests were vetted to sit in specific tents by aides when Odhiambo distributed Sh50.7million bursaries to 200 beneficiaries.
Last Tuesday, Governor Okoth Obado who held a similar bursary drive at Migori county stadium locked out members of the public who were not vetted from the venue.
The first vetting started at the gate where only those who showed invitation messages were allowed, as vehicles were double-checked and movement restricted.
Meals and drinks from hotels were sourced at the function to minimise movement.
“While governor aspirants took pride in announcing their itineraries on social media and shared live updates, things have changed as some aides are not aware of them until last minute and photos shared shortly after functions are over,” Nick Oluoch, a political analyst and communication lecturer at Kisii University said.
Speaking to the Star on Sunday, Migori police commander Mark Wanjala said police are investigating canisters received from the scenes for a forensic audit.
He said they have a prime suspect they are seeking for questioning.
“We are progressing well with investigations, otherwise we are on high alert as security,” Wanjala said.
Obado’s succession race has attracted other aspirants led by former Migori MP John Pesa, businessman Philip Mwabe, former Cabinet Minister Dalmas Otieno, County Assembly speaker Boaz Okoth and US-based university don Mark Ogutu among others.
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
