Hours after Deputy President William Ruto’s motorcade was stoned in Kisumu during his campaigns, the police have said that they had received intelligence of tension in the area and informed the DP before he made the stopover.
Police spokesperson Bruno Shioso said in a statement on Wednesday that there was tension within Kondele area, owing to the alleged distribution of campaign logistical funds among local groups.
Ruto was forced to cut short his speech while addressing residents in Kondele as his convoy ran into a hostile reception of rowdy youths on his second visit to the lakeside city.
A fracas broke out at the Kondele roundabout as Ruto's convoy made its way into the grounds.
Shioso added that the intelligence was promptly shared with the DP’s team with a recommendation to skip the area.
“During the rally, violence erupted amongst the local agitated groups who engaged in stone-throwing and other unruly behavior,” Bruno said.
He said the police swiftly reacted to contain the situation and ensured that the DP was not hurt.
Anti-riot police officers were forced to lob tear gas canisters, forcing the rowdy youth, that had thronged the area to scamper for safety.
Later, the DP condemned the incident through a post in his Twitter account, saying that the 'Hustler Nation' disassociates with leaders and political groupings that use violence to advance their selfish cause.
