Jubilee presidential candidate – also Kenya’s commander in chief – Uhuru Kenyatta was yesterday forced to flee Chesongoch in Elgeyo-Marakwet County after suspected bandits fired warning shots close to venue Uhuru was having a rally.
Drama unfolded when heavy gunfire interrupted Uhuru’s speech at Kapetwo forcing presidential security to scramble their man out of the area.
It is unclear if the shots where fired as a political statement to the President who was campaigning in the area.
Many had expected Uhuru to issue orders to security forces to repulse or apprehend the marauding bandits but inspead he hurriedly concluded his speech and rushed to his armoured presidential chopper which left the area in a cloud of dust.
In the ensuing melee that followed Uhuru’s premature departure, one person was killed and several others sustained injuries.
Before his rally was interrupted, busloads of Jubilee supporters were ferried to the area to help in cheering the president. Uhuru said that the Marakwet community should stop asking for ugali as Jubilee government has no Maize to distribute instead they need to supplement their diet with rice which he claimed was plentiful Mwea.
Uhuru also beseeched Marakwet’s to vote for him and Ruto in the forthcoming general elections so that Jubilee can tarmac roads in the area which has suffered decades of marginalization from the central government.
Sadly, the president NEVER talked about the main problem in the area which is insecurity.
Chesongoch at the border of Marakwets and Pokot counties is the same region NASA presidetial candidate Raila Odinga visited in November to address security issues and mourn with Marakwet victims of unending bandit attacks back in when they were massacred daily.
In February this year, a chief was killed by suspected Pokot bandits during DP William Ruto’s visit in the region. Thomas Ruttok died following injuries sustained in a shootout between the bandits and security officials. He was among officials providing security during Ruto’s visit. The midday incident is said to have stopped the DP from taking off with his chopper.
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