Chaos as Justin Muturi Clashes With Wa Muthende's Agent

Chaos erupted at the Siakago Social Hall in Mbeere North on Thursday, November 27, after former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi clashed with the agent of UDA aspirant Leonard Wa Muthende, Thuku Kiruga.

The confrontation arose after Muturi objected to Kiruga wearing a yellow jacket, arguing that the colour represented the UDA party.

Muturi and other supporters of the Democratic Party of Kenya (DP) then kicked Kiruga out of the hall.

During the incident, Muturi also attacked a local who was accompanying Wa Muthende’s agent.

Kiragu is a Member of the County Assembly (MCA) for Chinga ward in Nyeri County. 

Speaking after the incident, Muturi said it was against the law for Kiragu to be at a polling center while donning UDA party colors.

“What we have told him is you can’t come to the polling area when you are donning party colors.

“If he is an authorized agent or observer, he must come wearing other kinds of clothes, not party colors,” said Muturi.

The DP party leader said he kicked out Kiragu after the presiding officer at the station failed to take any action against him.

Further, Muturi said other polling centers he has visited in Mbeere North were okay.

“Other stations which I have visited are okay, we have not seen this kind of thing,” he added.

Wa Muthende is facing Newton Karish, who is running on a DP ticket in the ongoing Mbeere North by-election.

The Mbeere North parliamentary seat became vacant after President William Ruto appointed Geoffrey Ruku to serve as the Public Service Cabinet Secretary following the dismissal of Muturi.

Long queues began forming at various polling stations in Mbeere North from 6:00 AM, with voters braving the chilly morning breeze to take part in the democratic exercise.

The exercise is scheduled to continue until 5:00 PM, after which the counting of ballots will begin, followed by the announcement of the winner.