Ruto’s entourage stoned in Jacaranda
Deputy President William Ruto's entourage was pelted with stones as it made its way into Jacaranda grounds in Embakasi East Constituency, Nairobi.
The DP, his running mate Rigathi Gachagua and ANC party leader Musalia Mudavadi, who were waving to their supporters atop their cars, were forced to take cover as police officers dispersed the stone-throwing group.
The presidential hopeful braved the chaos and addressed his supporters at the Jacaranda grounds. He blamed the violence that was meted out on him on their rivals.
Ruto accused Azimio's presidential flagbearer Raila Odinga and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino of sanctioning the chaos.
"Today, we have gathered here for a Kenya Kwanza rally. I want to appreciate our supporters for shunning threats and attempts to block our meeting. We are here because the onus of changing this country is on us. Our opponents attempted to block us from meeting here because they have realized we will defeat them."
"I want to tell our friends in the Azimio coalition that they have only 50 days to continue using youths to cause violence. After the 50 days have elapsed, the youths will no longer be available to disrupt political rallies," he added.
UDA's Jacaranda rally marred with chaos
At least two people were injured after rival factions clashed at a Kenya Kwanza coalition rally at Jacaranda Grounds in Nairobi on Sunday, June 19, 2022.
Those injured included Embakasi East UDA aspirant Francis Mureithi, who had convened the event to consolidate presidential candidate William Ruto's support in the city.
Police were forced to lob tear gas canisters to disperse the crowd that had reduced the event to a stone-throwing match.
Anti-riot officers were deployed to the facility on Sunday morning after two factions were fighting over who should use it.
Mureithi claimed that the ground had been reserved for UDA after paying Ksh30,000 to the Nairobi County Government on behalf of the party and the Kenya Kwanza alliance. On the other hand, Embakasi East MP Paul Ongili alias Babu Owino, who is affiliated with the Azimio la Umoja - One Kenya coalition, also claimed to have booked the venue.
Babu Owino claimed he booked the ground before the Ruto-led team paid for it.
