This archive report was first published on 19 July 2020.
On July 19, 2020, a tense standoff unfolded in Kakamega when a team of security officers barricaded the road, preventing a meeting between Boni Khalwale, MPs Benjamin Washiali, and Charles Gimose.
The meeting, which had all the markings of a political rally, was scheduled to take place at Gimose's home in Hamisi constituency. However, the officers disrupted the gathering, citing COVID-19 protocols.
As the situation escalated, Boni Khalwale attempted to force his way past the officers, grabbed a 20-liter jerrycan full of water, and poured it on one of the officers, identified as the area OCPD.
Witnesses watched in awe as Khalwale, known for his bold nature, quickly dropped the heavy water container and dashed into the garden, with the policemen giving chase.
Onlookers shouted 'nyumba inaungua, nyumba inaungua' as Khalwale ran away.
Addressing journalists after the disruptions, Washiali blamed the government for the disruptions, stating that they had no ill intentions in the failed meeting.
'We came here to condole with our colleague for losing his cousin Johnstone Kavuludi's mother; we didn't come for violence,' Washiali disclosed.
He further elaborated that they preferred to convene their meeting at Gimose's home due to their political differences with the government, which prevented them from accessing the ex-police boss's home.
The lawmakers aimed to deliberate on how to collaborate with ANC party chief Musalia Mudavadi and convince him to join hands with Deputy President William Ruto in the presidential bid.
Washiali emphasized that their urge for Mudavadi to join forces with Ruto was driven by a desire for Luhya inclusivity in the government.
'Ruto supported the president, and for him to make it, he has to be backed by a strong man like Mudavadi,' Washiali said.
He urged the government to be fair to all political wings, regardless of their ideological differences.
'Why should we be barred while Governor Wycliffe Oparanya moves around as he feels like? And even as we speak, he is holding a meeting at Bukhungu,' Washiali posed.
