This archive report was first published on 18 July 2020.
On July 18, 2020, a dramatic scene unfolded in Vihiga county, where former Kakamega senator Boni Khalwale found himself at odds with the police.
Accompanied by local leaders, including sitting MPs Ben Washiali and Charles Gimose, Khalwale had attended a burial function in the county.
However, their private meeting at Gimose's house was disrupted by police officers, leading to a confrontation.
According to eyewitnesses, Khalwale claimed that the officers lobbed teargas canisters at Gimose's house, setting part of it ablaze.
Undeterred, Khalwale fetched a bucket of water and approached the officers, claiming that his host's house was on fire and needed his help.
When the officers blocked him, Khalwale made a sudden U-turn and splashed water on the front-line officer, leaving him confused.
With the officer momentarily stunned, Khalwale sprinted through the village, with locals cheering and laughing in the background.
Addressing journalists after the incident, Washiali blamed the government for the ugly scenes, stating that they had no bad intentions.
Washiali explained that their meeting was meant to discuss possible ways of bringing together ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi and Deputy President William Ruto.
He emphasized that their goal was to ensure the Luhya community was well represented in the next government.
