Tear Gas Turmoil: Chaos Erupts at Kisii Church Event as ODM, UDA Legislators Trade Barbs
On Sunday, a church event in Kisii descended into chaos, halting a planned fundraiser for several hours.
A teargas canister was thrown towards the pulpit as tensions rose, causing numerous worshippers to scatter around the swampy Etono grounds in Bomachoge Borabu before order was restored.
The disturbance prompted the officiating cleric to perform intense chants to dispel the ‘dark cloud’ hanging over the event.
The fundraiser brought together five PAG churches in the Etono area and was attended by six MPs from different political affiliations.
South Mugirango MP and Chief Whip Sylvanus Osoro was in charge of the fundraiser.
Present were ODM MPs Obadiah Barongo and Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi, along with other MPs.
Additional attendees included MPs Japhet Nyakundi (Kitutu Chache North), Alfa Miruka (Bomachoge Chache), Patrick Osero (Borabu), and several UDA-aligned ward representatives.
Kibagendi had just taken the stage when chaos erupted.
Groups of young people within the congregation began heckling him.
At one point, his microphone was seized, and he was chased off the stage, moving deeper into the area where other MPs were seated.
To prevent the situation from escalating further, a police officer released a tear gas canister, causing attendees to flee.
Some lawmakers scrambled to find water to counter the effects of the tear gas before the fundraiser resumed, albeit in a tense environment.
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Bomachoge MP Obadiah Barongo said he had invited Kibagendi as a measure to prevent attacks from UDA MPs present at the event.
Trouble began when the MP arrived at the church, escorted by dozens of unruly motorbike riders who heckled the UDA leaders during their speeches.
As tensions grew, Bomachoge Chache MP Alfa Miruka left the scene.
South Mugirango MP Sylvanus Osoro eventually managed to cool down the situation but expressed his disapproval of the disruption.
He urged politicians to avoid violence, particularly in church settings, and apologized for the unfortunate turn of events.
Osoro also appealed to young people not to be manipulated into causing chaos at events.
“No one should lose their life for any politician; we are all family here. Everyone will leave this event and return home, while we head to town to have lunch together,” Osoro stated.
Nyakundi highlighted ongoing government efforts to improve the economy, noting that reducing the cost of farm supplies is part of the plan to alleviate living costs.
He also advised residents to be cautious as rains continue to affect the country.
“The weather indicates more rain ahead, so let’s prioritize our children’s safety,” the MP said.
Earlier, former Kiogoro MCA Samuel Apoko faced resistance from some unruly youths when he suggested that area MP Obadiah Barongo should cooperate with UDA members.
The youths shouted him down, accusing him of subtly criticizing the ODM legislator in his territory.
Tear Gas Turmoil: Chaos Erupts at Kisii Church Event as ODM, UDA Legislators Trade Barbs