This archive report was first published on 26 December 2019.
Tharaka Nithi Residents Clash Over Christmas Feast ¶
On December 26, 2019, a Christmas feast organized by Tharaka Nithi MP Gitonga Murugara turned violent, leaving several residents injured.
The incident occurred at Kibunga village, where residents had gathered for the feast. However, things took a turn for the worse when the food ran out, leading to a scramble for the remaining food.
According to eyewitnesses, the situation quickly escalated, with residents fighting over the limited food. Some were even seen jumping into a large sufuria (pot) to grab the remaining food.
"This feast Gitonga has brought here is war. He has brought war. People have been injured, and some have even broken their legs," said Kitheega Njiru, a resident who witnessed the chaos.
The MP had organized the feast, which included meat and ugali, but the food ran out quickly, leading to the chaos.
Some residents criticized the MP for organizing a feast that did not cater to the needs of all residents, leading to the violence.
"The money spent on this feast could have been used for development projects that would have benefited many residents," said one resident.
Similar incidents have occurred in the past, including one in Othaya where a resident was injured during a feast organized by a local MP.
