CHAOS IN KISII AS MPS FROM THE UDA AND ODM TRADE JABS IN CHURCH

On Sunday, there was chaos during a church function in Kisii, which caused hours of disruption to a planned fundraising.

As anger mounted, a tear gas cannister was hurled at the pulpit, sending dozens of worshippers reeling around the marshy Etono grounds in Bomachoge Borabu until quiet returned.

Amidst the commotion, the presiding cleric had to perform dramatic chants to dispel the 'black cloud' that was hovering over the gathering.

There were six MPs from both political parties present for the fundraising, which attracted five PAG churches to the Etono area.

Sylvanus Osoro, the Chief Whip and MP for South Mugirango, was presiding over the event.

Attendees included Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi and ODM MP Obadiah Barongo.

MPs Patrick Osero (Borabu), Alfa Miruka (Bomachoge Chache), Japhet Nyakundi (Kitutu Chache North), and a number of pro-UDA ward representatives were also present.

Just as Kibagendi was taking the platform, chaos broke out.

Young people in pockets positioned between the congregations began making fun of him.

He was using a microphone when youngsters started chasing him off the podium and into the dias where the other MPs were seated, stealing the microphone in the process.

A policeman shot off tear gas cannon as the commotion got out of hand, making the guests run for their lives.

Before the event continued, albeit in a tense atmosphere, a few legislators rushed for water to counteract the effects of the tear gas.

MP Obadiah Barongo of Bomachoge claimed to have referred to Kibagendi as a "deployment to forestall attacks from the army of by UDA MPs that had attended the function".

When the MP entered the church accompanied by scores of rowdy boda boda riders, who continued to make fun of the UDA leaders while they spoke, there were warning signs of trouble.

As the temperature rose, Bomachoge Chache MP Alfa Miruka ran away.

Later, South Mugirango MP Sylvanus Osoro controlled the temperature but expressed displeasure about the disorder.

 He apologized for the unfortunate course of events and urged politicians to refrain from using violence, particularly in churches.

 Osoro also urged the young people to stop using their influence to stir up trouble at events.

 "We are all brothers here, and nobody should die for a politician." We're going to the town to have lunch together, therefore all of you will go home after this celebration," Osoro declared.

 Joash Nyamoko, a member of parliament for North Mugirango, supported unity and said it was foolish for political leaders to continue squabbling rather than focusing on development.

 It was time, he continued, for the Gusii leadership to assert the region's political prominence at the national level.

 Japhet Nyakundi, national treasurer of the UDA and MP for Kitutu Chache North, said it was a low moment for politicians to show off their fights of dominance, particularly in churches.

 He said that no leader in politics can be successful without humility.

 Respect for God, the church hierarchy, and the altar should all be taught. In the name of politics, we cannot plan acts of violence," Nyakundi declared.

 We should be serving the electorate, not politicking at a time when we are halfway through another poll, he continued.

 The youth were asked by the MP to challenge their elected officials for jobs and to refuse to be used as props for hooliganism.

 "Ask of the available opportunities for recruitment to government [and] training opportunities in colleges not being paid to boo leaders in functions," added the politician.

 Nyakundi stated that the administration was already working to boost the economy and that lowering the price of agricultural supplies was a component of their strategy to lower living expenses.

 The MP also asked the locals to avoid danger as the nation continues to be battered by rain.

 "The weather is still promising us more rains and let's ensure we keep our children safe," the Member of Parliament stated.

 When former Kiogoro MCA Samuel Apoko tried to persuade local MP Obadiah Barongo to cooperate with UDA members, he ran afoul of some boisterous adolescents.

 The young person yelled at him, saying he was criticizing the ODM lawmaker covertly in his own backyard.