Police in Kakamega have denied having any knowledge of Deputy President William Ruto’s planned tour of the county. Ruto is scheduled to preside over two church fundraisers on Sunday, 25 October at Mumias and Matungu constituencies. In a statement to the press, Kakamega County Police Commander, Hassan Barua revealed that he is yet to be informed of the planned functions.
“I travelled to Nairobi and I am not aware of any intention to host the Deputy President in Kakamega. Maybe they will notify me when I return,” Barua explained.
The Deputy President is expected to fundraise for St Leo Catholic Parish in Shianda, Mumias East sub-county and Our Lady of Assumption Indangalasia Parish in Matungu.
However, Rev Fr Humphrey Makokha of Our Lady of Assumption Indangalasia, told the press in an earlier interview that he is yet to be furnished with a response from the police after applying for the required permit.
While their boss claimed plausible deniability of Ruto’s Kakamega tour, officers commanding Shianda and Koyonzo police stations cited critical security and health concerns for the blocking of the meeting.
In October 10, a number of politicians allied to the DP were teargassed in Mumias while adressing the media. Among them were former Kakamega senator Boni Khalwale, MPs Benjamin Washiali (Mumias East) and Justus Murunga (Matungu).
The leaders complained of double standards by police in the enforcement of the regulations on public meetings laid out by the National Security Advisory Council (NSAC).
According to the three, ODM party leader Raila Odinga freely held public meetings at his home in Bondo and another in Kisii without any interference from police.
