Police in Sirisia Constituency in Bungoma County engaged locals in running battles after they came out in large numbers demanding release of their MP, John Waluke.
The police were forced to lob teargas canisters at the charged crowd at Sirisia Market who called for the release of Waluke, who was put behind bars to serve a jail term of 67 years, or pay a fine of Sh1 billion, after being found guilty of corruption charges.
His sister, Grace Wakhungu, is also behind bars for the same charges.
Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) who support the Azimio camp, including South Kulisiru MCA Everlyne Mutiembu and West Bukusu MCA Job Mukoyandali, have pledged to lead the protests for a week until their petition is heard.
The protesters, drawn from the three wards in the constituency, barricaded the Chwele-Lwakhakha road and caused a traffic snarl up by blocking long-distance trucks from moving for about two hours.
“We call upon the President to intervene in the matter and have our MP released on bond so that he can continue with his responsibilities. We have seen cases which are worse than his being dropped. He can as well be pardoned,” a protester lamented.
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