A Toyota Probox was set on fire on Monday, February 23, in Keroka, Kisii County, after supporters of Jubilee candidate Fred Matiang’i clashed with suspected goons.
The vehicle, which was allegedly ferrying the suspected goons, was forced off the road by angry supporters who had barricaded the area.
Witnesses said several occupants of the vehicle managed to escape as the chaos broke out.
However, two men were cornered by the crowd. The two were beaten by the supporters before the vehicle was set ablaze.
Images from the scene showed the car engulfed in flames as residents watched from a distance. Police had not immediately issued a detailed statement on the incident by the time of reporting.
After the attack, several crude weapons were reportedly recovered from the vehicle.
The discovery further angered the crowd, who claimed it was proof that the occupants had been planning to cause trouble at the rally.
The two injured men were later rushed to hospital for medical attention. Their condition was not immediately made public.
Speaking during the rally, Matiang’i condemned the incident and accused the state of mobilising goons to interfere with his political meeting.
He claimed that some leaders allied to President William Ruto had been sent to hire people to create chaos in the area.
He stated that while any leader, including the President, was free to visit Keroka, bringing individuals to disrupt a rally would not be accepted by residents.
On his part, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua praised local residents for what he described as acting swiftly against troublemakers.
His remarks added to the political tension surrounding the events of the day.
Clashes were also reported in Kisii Town as the convoy passed through. Two opposing groups confronted each other, with one group said to be armed with machetes.
Motorists and residents were left in fear as the groups tried to overpower each other before calm was gradually restored.
Earlier in the day, Matiang’i had been endorsed by elders from the region as the official spokesperson of the Gusii community, a move seen as strengthening his political standing in the area.
