This archive report was first published on 20 June 2020.
On Saturday, over 20 MPs from Western attempted to hold a meeting at the home of host MP Malulu Injendi in Lugusi, Malava. However, the gathering was disrupted by police who lobbed teargas at the legislators and some locals within Malulu's compound.
Uniformed police barricaded all roads leading to Mr Malulu's home, forcing many leaders to make a U-turn due to the multiple roadblocks. Journalists were also forced to identify themselves at every single roadblock to the venue.
Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa engaged the officers in a heated exchange that saw the police use force to disrupt the meeting. Scores were injured in the melee.
Malulu Injendi condemned the police action, stating, 'It is sad that the police would throw teargas at leaders who were not engaging in anything wrong, a girl had to be resuscitated in my own bedroom following the pandemonium. I would like the law to take its course.'
Politicians who were stopped from accessing the venue included Moses Wetang'ula, Alfred Agoi, John Bunyasi, Catherine Wambilianga, and others. Former Kakamega senator Boni Khalwale was also present but left the scene moments after a confrontation between police and the politicians started.
The leaders vowed to convene other meetings in future, arguing that the law cannot be applied selectively. 'We have not seen the police disrupt meetings being held by Devolution CS Eugene Wamalwa, governor Wycliffe Oparanya and COTU secretary – general Francis Atwoli. We would like to be respected as a region,' said Mumias East MP Benjamin Washiali.
