File image of the Mowlem Satellite Bus Park.
An armed gang on Monday, June 29, disrupted a stakeholders’ meeting on the operationalization of the Nyamasaria–Mowlem Satellite Bus Park.
In a statement, the Kisumu County government alleged that the attack targeted City Manager Abala Wanga and was aimed at derailing an ongoing court-annexed mediation process.
The meeting wich was convened by the City Department at the Kisumu Social Hall, had brought together representatives from the county government, County Security Team, Kisumu Bus Park Transport Company, Tuk-Tuk Association, kiosk owners, hawkers, and members of the Mowlem and Nyamasaria communities.
However, the meeting descended into chaos as it concluded when a group of individuals armed with pangas, rungus, and other crude weapons stormed the venue.
The attackers vandalized property and robbed several participants, including students, of their mobile phones, laptops and other personal belongings.
“Regrettably, as the meeting concluded, a group of individuals armed with pangas, rungus and other crude weapons stormed the venue, vandalized property and robbed several participants, including students, of their mobile phones, laptops and other personal belongings.
“Preliminary information and the circumstances surrounding the incident strongly suggest that the attack specifically targeted the City Manager, Mr. Abala Wanga, and was intended to disrupt the ongoing mediation process,” read the statement in part.
The Kisumu County Government condemned the attack, describing it as an unacceptable act of violence that has no place in resolving public disputes.
“The County Government of Kisumu strongly condemns this act of violence and commends the City Inspectorate Officers and the National Police Service for their swift intervention, which prevented further harm and restored order. Violence can never and should never be an option, regardless of differing opinions or interests. This is not the Kisumu we envision,” the statement added.
Further, the Kisumu County government called on the National Police Service and other security agencies to launch urgent investigations into the incident and ensure that everyone involved is brought to book.
