Three people are nursing injuries at Homa Bay Referral Hospital after supporters of two front runners in the county gubernatorial race clashed
Supporters of ODM governor candidate Gladys Wanga and those of Evans Kidero who runs as an independent candidate fought in Homa Bay town ahead of their final political rallies on Saturday.
Wanga had booked Homa Bay Stadium while Kidero booked Jua Kali grounds to hold rallies and make their final submission to Homa Bay residents.
But violence erupted at Jua Kali grounds in the morning when youths allegedly allied to Wanga stormed the venue and started dismantling tents and kicking chairs.
The incident occurred when Kidero was still engaged in a series of rallies Magunga, Mbita, Ndhiwa, Oyugis and Kendu Bay.
Wanga had also held in Makongeni in Homa Bay town before she moved to Kabuoch in Ndhiwa.
At the Jua Kali grounds, the youths engaged in fracas as they were trying to drive out supporters of Kidero from the place.
One of the eyewitnesses said the youths never wanted Kidero to hold a rally there. Two supporters of Kidero were injured and taken to hospital.
After some three hours, a different group of youths linked to Kidero stormed Homa Bay Stadium to retaliate.
They beat Wanga supporters before police arrived and intervened.
Police had to lob teargas to disperse them and quell the situation.
"One person was injured near the gate of the stadium. The man was taken to hospital for treatment," a resident said.
Homa Bay County Commissioner Moses Lilan described the incidents as unfortunate saying they have launched investigations.
"We're pursuing the matters and we'll take appropriate action against the culprits," Lilan said.
He told politicians to restrain their supporters during elections.
A vehicle for campaign of KANU senate candidate Tom Ojanga was also stoned near stadium during the fracas.
Its windscreen was smashed during the violence. Ojanga accused ODM politicians of failure to maintain peace during their campaigns.
"They behave as people who have sensed defeat. Let Homa Bay people decide on the people they want to lead them," Ojanga said.
