Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika was on Thursday evening forced to flee to safety after her event in Kihoto, Naivasha, was reportedly invaded and disrupted by suspected goons.
Kihika had been touring Kihoto Estate in Naivasha Town, an area severely affected by floods caused by rising Lake Naivasha levels, when chaos erupted.
During her visit, she inspected the area with other senior county officials before addressing the residents. Residents from other wards also attended the event.
While delivering her speech, the governor pledged to facilitate the transportation of people back to their respective homes and promised to give each resident a specific amount towards the fare.
However, as soon as she had finished her speech, chaos erupted after a group of youths began attacking people in an attempt to reach the Governor, who was quickly shielded by her bodyguards.
During the incident, two vehicles on the Nairobi-Nakuru highway, a personal car and a trailer, were set ablaze, as the Governor fled to safety.
Attempts by police officers to intervene proved futile, with gunshots fired by the police in a bid to disperse the agitated crowd. The suspected goons also stoned the governor's vehicles.
Meanwhile, Kihika, in her speech, just moments before the chaos had promised to bring in more tippers to assist in evacuating and transporting affected families to safer shelters.
Additionally, she announced the deployment of more lorries and boats to rescue residents whose homes have been submerged. So far, 2000 people have been successfully evacuated.
To enhance coordination, Governor Kihika announced the formation of a committee comprising members from the County Government, NGAO officers, and the clergy.
"This committee will oversee evacuation, transportation, shelter provision, and food distribution to the affected families. I have appealed to churches and schools to open their doors to displaced residents," she said.
"I also urged local firms operating in the area to offer assistance, and we welcome support from other companies and corporate partners. Furthermore, I appealed to landlords in nearby estates not to increase rent for affected families," she added.
