Monday’s Madaraka Day celebrations in Mumias, Kakamega County, ended in chaos after protests erupted shortly after the official ceremony, leading to clashes with police.
Hundreds of residents had gathered at Bomani Grounds to commemorate the 63rd Madaraka Day celebrations in an event presided over by Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa and attended by other county leaders, government officials, and members of the public.
The celebrations proceeded peacefully, with leaders using the occasion to highlight ongoing development projects and urge residents to embrace unity and peaceful coexistence.
However, tension flared moments after the event concluded when groups of youths took to the streets protesting what they termed as poor development and ineffective county leadership. The demonstrators marched through sections of Mumias town, disrupting traffic flow and normal business activities.
As the protests intensified, some roads were barricaded with burning tyres and bonfires, forcing motorists to seek alternative routes. Police officers were later deployed to contain the situation, resulting in confrontations with the protesters.
Witnesses described scenes of panic and confusion as businesses hurriedly shut down while residents fled to safety. Police officers reportedly fired shots in the air in an attempt to disperse the rowdy crowds.
Several people were reportedly injured during the unrest, while property was damaged in different parts of the town. Public transport operations were also temporarily disrupted as some operators suspended services over security concerns.
DCP Party leader Cleophas Malala, who was present in the town, condemned the violence and accused Governor Barasa of orchestrating chaos by deploying goons to disrupt the crowds.
“The incompetent Governor Barasa must know that his days in office are well numbered and no amount of violence, use of goons or the police will save him. Violence against the good people of Mumias is totally unacceptable. Wantam movement is now at full speed in Kakamega,” Malala said.
