Chaos as goons disrupt DAP-K aspirant's presser amid Malava by-election tiff

Drama on Thursday unfolded in Kakamega when goons stormed a press briefing by the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) disgruntled Malava Parliamentary aspirant Caleb Burudi.

The youths stormed the hotel, snatched microphones from the table, and ordered him to immediately leave the place.

The chaos came just hours after the party unveiled Seth Panyako as its flagbearer for the upcoming Malava by-election, triggering protests from Burudi.

On realising that he had lost the ticket, Burudi convened a press conference to lament over the party's decision to declare Panyako as the flag bearer in the forthcoming Malava by-election, terming it undemocratic, before it turned chaotic.

“I paid nomination fees, expecting primaries to be conducted … the other contestant has not resigned from the nursing board,” said Burudi.

The embattled aspirant is now threatening legal action against the party leadership, accusing it of flouting party procedures by issuing a direct ticket to his rival.

“We have reached a consensus following a research report that places Panyako above all contestants,” DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa said.

Panyako added, “Mimi nitawakilisha wakazi wa Malava kwa unyenyekevu.”

Speaking at the Jukwaa la Usalama Security Baraza in Kisumu County, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen issued a stern warning to politicians accused of lobbying and financing goons to disrupt political activities.

 “We will arrest and prosecute their financiers,” Murkomen warned.

Meanwhile, Furaha Chengo Ngumbao has been named the DCP party candidate for the Magarini Constituency by-election.

The Magarini seat in Kilifi County fell vacant after the court annulled the 2022 election following an electoral dispute.