Jubilee Party presidential hopeful Fred Matiang'i was forced to cut his campaign short in Bomet after he received a hostile reception from a pro-government crowd.
Matiang'i, who was on his way to Narok on Friday, August 14, had stopped briefly in Bomet to popularise his presidential bid when the crowd started chanting 'Tutam'.
Efforts to calm the crowd by invoking neighbourly relations between the Kisii and Bomet residents failed as the chants became louder. His entourage eventually left the town as the hostility increased.
"Brothers and sisters, you are our neighbours. It takes just 20 minutes for us to get to Bomet from home. We have come to have a discussion with you on how we can rebuild the nation," Matiang'i stated.
His sentiments were reiterated by Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, who stated that the Matiang'i brigade would engage the residents in respectful politics, given their cordial relationship.
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Bomet is a region known to be President William Ruto's stronghold. Leaders addressing the crowd carefully picked their words, including Kitutu Chache MP Antoney Kibagendi, who is known for his strong criticism of the Head of State.
"President Ruto has done his part. We have come here so that we can campaign for Matiang'i, who is eyeing the presidency," Kibagendi stated.
Elsewhere, several vehicles that were part of DCP Leader Rigathi Gachagua's motorcade were pelted with stones by unknown individuals in Nakuru County.
Preliminary reports indicated that the suspected goons blocked the motorcade and caused extensive damage to about five vehicles.
The incidents come amid concerns of a trend of political intolerance in the country. Civil rights groups have warned that the heightened political temperatures could easily escalate into violence in the August 2027 General Election.
Nonetheless, President Ruto and the leaders in the United Opposition have maintained that the election would be peaceful.
