Deputy President William Ruto’s brigade found it rough ahead of a planned meeting in Mumias.
A parallel gathering to that of the BBI at Bukhungu Stadium, hit a snag after a heavy contingent of police officers were deployed at the venue.
The well equipped GSU officers were manning the area to ensure the cancellation directive was observed.
Despite the presence of the authorities, supporters of the DP vowed to continue with their forum.
Led by the likes of ex-Kakamega Senator Boniface Khalwale, former Sports CS Rashid Echesa, Kimili MP Didmus Baraza and Sirisia MP John Waluke, the crowd was adamant to pursue their day’s agenda.
No #BBIMeeting in Mumias; Leaders claim Mumias East MP, Benjamin Washiali is missing.#BBIWesternEdition pic.twitter.com/CpIX0y7Vzi
— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) January 18, 2020
Reports emerged that tear gas was used to disrupt a small group that had gathered to be addressed by Echesa.
Further information, however, disclosed that the police resulted in the move after the supporters are alleged to have barricaded the Bungoma-Mumias road.
Teargas, running battles as anti-riot police disperse youth who had barricaded Bungoma-Mumias Road to oppose BBI meeting held at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega. pic.twitter.com/oIU10zzbwX
— K24 TV (@K24Tv) January 18, 2020
Details pointed out that the barricade was aimed to frustrate the initiative meeting led by ODM party leader Raila Odinga.
More woes were compounded on the lot after Echesa proclaimed that Parliament Deputy Whip Benjamin, Washiali, had gone missing.
The vocal Tanga Tanga politician highlighted that Washiali had been abducted hours to the rally.
Khalwale on his part uttered that he had received information that the Mumias East legislator was arrested by police officers at night, at his residence.
The police officers nevertheless, refuted the remarks and asserted the whereabouts of the leader was unknown.
Echesa went on and gave an ultimatum that there would be consequences in a span of two hours if Washiali was not found.
Thus the big question was what happened to the tough-talking Washiali.