Supporters of Kirinyaga Governor Ann Waiguru and Woman representative Purity Ngirici clashed during Deputy President William Ruto’s visit to the county over the weekend.
William Ruto arrived at the All Saint ACK Kianyaga Church in a visit that was been marked by ugly scenes as the supporters of the two rival politicians engaged in shouting matches outside all saints church Kianyaga.
Kivumbi.co.ke could not immediately establish what caused disagreement, but it is believed it was caused by the fact both Waiguru and Ngirici ant to vie for the gubernatorial seat on a UDA ticket.
Several videos that made rounds on social media on Sunday, November 28, showed youths setting fire to merchandise including posters and jackets branded with Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru’s name.
Earlier on, Kirinyaga businessman and Ngirici’s husband Andrew Ngirici was barred from entering the church where Ruto was scheduled to attend, a move that could have also angered Ngici’s supporters resulting in a confrontation between her supporters and those of Waiguru.
In a move aimed at allaying disputes between the two leaders, the deputy president seized the moment to pose for a photo with the two woman leaders, perhaps declining not to pick sides as the Kirinyaga politics heat up.
Rowdy youths engaged police officers in running battles. The youths even blocked the Kianyaga-Kutus road.
The political rivalry between Waiguru and Ngirici went a notch higher last week after Ngirici called out Waiguru accusing her of always copying her political moves.
But in her response, Waiguru said that UDA, a party heavily linked with William Ruot is a national political party where everyone is allowed to join.
“There is no party for individuals, a political party is for every Kenyan and UDA is for everyone,” Waiguru said.
This makes William Ruto’s second visit to the vote-rich Mt Kenya that witnessed violence in a span of weeks.
A week ago, chaos erupted in Muriri Muthara, Tigania East sub-county Meru County after Boda Boda riders and mama mboga clashed over William Ruto’s KSh 600k handout.
