This archive report was first published on 9 December 2019.
Chaos erupted at a church function attended by Deputy President William Ruto in Nyeri County on Sunday, December 8, 2019, resulting in the arrest of at least 10 people.
The function, a fundraiser organized by Nyeri Woman Representative Rahab Mukami at Giakanja Boys Secondary School, was marred by clashes between youths allied to Jubilee factions of Kieleweke and Tanga Tanga.
The trouble started when the Tanga Tanga group allegedly grabbed T-shirts from Kieleweke and set them ablaze. The T-shirts were inscribed 'Uhuru's bedroom!'
Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria had earlier accused Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu of planning to disrupt the DP's event, asking Interior CS Fred Matiang'i and his PS Karanja Kibicho to ensure law and order.
'I really fear for the lives of those goons given that the AIPCA faithful are the real freedom fighters who liberated this country. The body count might be shocking,' Moses Kuria said through a Facebook post.
However, the Tanga Tanga camp refuted the claims, saying that Ngunjiri hired the group which burned the T-shirts. According to Tanga Tanga, the MP wanted to propagate the idea that the DP and his followers do not respect the president.
Reports claim that police had to fire in the air to disperse the rowdy youth, some of whom were arrested with crude weapons including knives. Ngunjiri has blamed four MCAs whom he accused of trying to prevent him from attending the function.
When Ruto finally arrived, Ngunjiri refused to rise from his seat to go and welcome the DP. Other politicians and church leaders present went to welcome Ruto after his chopper landed.
Mr Wambugu also refused to address the gathering despite being invited to the podium by the Woman Rep.
