Gunshots Reported as Youths Clash With Police After Kindiki Rally in Kitale
Gunshots were reported in Kitale, Trans-Nzoia County, following a tense confrontation between a group of youths and police officers shortly after an event attended by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Tuesday, March 24.
The situation, which unfolded a day later on Wednesday, March 25, was captured in videos widely shared on social media.
In the footage, a group of agitated youths is seen blocking a police vehicle along a road, demanding payment for what they claimed was their participation in the Deputy President’s rally.
The youths could be heard loudly chanting and insisting that they be paid mobilisation fees, repeatedly shouting, “We want our money,” as tensions continued to rise.
According to the clips, the confrontation quickly escalated as the youths refused to disperse and maintained their blockade. In response to the growing unrest, a gunshot is heard in the background, believed to have been fired by police officers in an attempt to control the situation and restore order.
However, by the time of reporting, there had been no official confirmation from authorities on whether anyone was injured during the incident, leaving many questions unanswered.
The incident sparked sharp political reactions, with Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi strongly condemning the use of force.
In a public statement, Amisi criticized the actions of both the police and leaders associated with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), accusing them of turning to violence instead of addressing the youths’ grievances.
Amisi argued that the young people had simply turned up for the event based on promises made to them and deserved to be compensated.
He expressed concern that the youths had sacrificed their time and daily activities to attend the rally, only to be met with confrontation when they demanded what they believed was rightfully theirs.
He further insisted that leaders should take responsibility and ensure that such commitments are honored instead of allowing situations to escalate into chaos.
Deputy President Kindiki had visited Kitale as part of an official development tour, during which he inspected and commissioned several government projects in the region.
After the inspections, he also addressed residents, outlining the government’s progress and future plans, particularly focusing on development initiatives in the Maili Saba area.
The incident has once again brought to the surface ongoing allegations surrounding the mobilisation of crowds for political events in Kenya.
Critics have long claimed that some leaders and political groups pay members of the public, especially youths, to attend rallies and show support.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has previously made similar claims, alleging that as much as Ksh3 million is sometimes set aside for a single rally to mobilise attendees, particularly young people.
At the same time, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has recently issued warnings against the misuse of public funds for political purposes.
The commission cautioned leaders against diverting government resources to finance political campaigns, especially as the country gradually moves closer to the 2027 General Election.
As investigations and official statements are still awaited, the Kitale incident highlights growing tensions around political mobilisation, youth involvement, and accountability, raising fresh concerns about how such events are organized and managed across the country.
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