This archive report was first published on 8 December 2019.
Clashes erupted between Tangatanga and Kieleweke supporters in Nyeri on December 8, 2019, during a visit by Deputy President William Ruto.
According to reports, the two groups clashed outside Giakanja Boys High School, where Ruto was attending a church function.
Police were forced to intervene to separate the warring groups, with some youths found with makeshift weapons and others injured.
Ten people were arrested during the chaos and are expected to appear in court on December 9, 2019.
The clashes were sparked by a planned protest by Kieleweke supporters, who were allegedly planning to disrupt Ruto's visit.
Earlier, Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria had warned that the planned protest could lead to bloodshed.
"I have been informed that the Nyeri Town MP is planning to mobilize a group of youths to disrupt the AIPCA Mukaro church function attended by the Deputy President. Please ask the police to ensure there is security," Kuria said.
However, Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu, a Kieleweke supporter, denied the allegations, saying that Ruto's supporters had planned to disrupt the function.
Wambugu claimed that Ruto's supporters had planned to burn a banner bearing the image of President Uhuru Kenyatta.
When Ruto arrived at the church function, Wambugu refused to give a speech to the crowd, instead choosing to sit down and ignore the protesters.
