Drama as supporters of Moses Kuria’s brother clash with those of Juja MP Koimburi over toilet management
The entry of Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria's brother into the Juja parliamentary race has caused tensions leading to a physical clash by rival supporters.
Aloise Kinyanjui, a younger brother of Kuria has declared his interest in the Juja seat currently held by George Koimburi who got in through a by-election in May last year following the death of Francis Munyua 'Wakapee'.
Interestingly, Kuria played a key role in the election of Koimburi who was vying on a People's Empowerment Party (PEP) ticket, but the two have since fallen out.
On New Year's eve, supporters of the MP were involved in a physical clash with those of Aloise over the running of a public toilet that Koimburi built in the run-up to the by-election, next to Witeithie market.
Police arrested three people following the confrontation in which two people sustained injuries and were treated and discharged. Juja sub-county police commander Dorothy Migarusha said the matter was under investigation.
George Mburu, one of the injured supporters of Koimburi, accused the Juja sub-county administration of fuelling the row by taking over the running of the toilet from Wema Self-help group which was handed the facility by the MP.
"Members of a cartel that is working in cahoots with the sub-county administrator have been harassing us and even demolished some of our trade sheds," said Mburu adding that the group repainted the toilet in colours of Chama Cha Kazi Party (CCK), associated with the Gatundu South MP.
The Koimburi supporters appealed to Governor James Nyoro to intervene and have the running of the toilet returned to their group. They also called for legal action against those who assaulted them.
Contacted, Koimburi said a meeting of security agencies and other stakeholders has been called on Thursday to address the matter.
Despite their prevailing differences, both Kuria and Koimburi are allied to Deputy President William Ruto although the former has refused to fold his CCK party to join the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Kinyanjui, a civil servant-cum businessman has been doing low key campaigns for the Juja seat and is expected to launch his bid officially next month.
He is also widely expected to contest on a CCK party ticket while Koimburi is poised to join UDA.
