Bodaboda riders spur violence in Tseikuru during campaigns

 Violence rocked a tiny town of Tseikuru, some 100 km from Mwingi town on July 30, 2022. 

Chaos began at Masyungwa market where 60 Bodaboda riders attempted to disrupt a gubernatorial campaign rally by former Kitui Senator David Musila.

The young men blocked Senator Musila’s entourage and demanded to be paid to “escort” him to the campaign venue. Characteristically, they were blowing their bike’s horns and attempting gymnastics on the dusty paths that echo years of marginalization since Independence.

“Let me warn those being used by politicians to cause violence. I was a Provincial Commissioner and I know how to maintain discipline”, said the former Mwingi South legislator.

Harsh blockage

After having other campaign stop overs without scenes of political violence in Katumbi, Kaningo and Usueni markets, the Jubilee party governor campaign team was to be met with yet harsher blockage while entering Tseikuru market, the ward headquarters some minutes past 5pm.

Senator Musila warned the youth to avoid being used by his political opponents to cause chaos. He forgave them and promised jobs once he takes office as the third governor of the arid and semi-arid county spotting swathes of idle land with rudimentary investment on agriculture to address high poverty levels.

A spot-check by MWINGI TIMES revealed that a number of Senator Musila’s campaign members were targeted by angry youth who hurled stones to them.

The Bodaboda youth were demanding KSh500 to accompany the Jubilee campaign team. After their demands were rejected, they interrupted Senator Musila’s rallies injuring wananchi in the skirmishes.

STORY By MWINGI TIMES CORRESPONDENT