This archive report was first published on 16 June 2021.
On May 30, 2021, President Uhuru Kenyatta commissioned the Yala-Bondo Water Supply Plant in Gem Constituency, a day before the Madaraka Day celebrations in Kisumu.
According to ODM Director of Communications Philip Etale, the late Jakoyo Midiwo, the former Gem Member of Parliament, arrived at the scene in the presidential motorcade and alighted from his car to walk towards the plant.
However, at the main gate, Uhuru's security officers stopped him from entering, pushing and shoving him as he pleaded with them, explaining that he was the immediate former MP for the constituency.
Etale confronted the security officers, asking if they knew Midiwo, but they responded with 'Ninesema haingii hapa' (I don't know him here).
Etale pressed them again, asking if they didn't recognize the former MP, but the officer looked at him and pushed Midiwo away, saying 'MUNANIUDHI' (get out of my way).
It was Embakasi East MP Hon. Babu Owino who intervened, finding Midiwo looking dejected and harassed, and insisting that he enter first, which eventually allowed him to gain access to the plant.
