Rowdy Youth Corner UDA MP, Demand Handouts

UDA supporters during campaigns in Kiambaa Constituency on July 4
UDA supporters during campaigns in Kiambaa Constituency on July 4
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A rowdy crowd cornered Emgwen Member of Parliament and Nandi senatorial aspirant Alex Kosgei during a campaign rally on Friday, February 25. 

The MP's rally in Nandi County was momentarily disrupted as the youth demanded handouts and chanted songs. 

Kosgei was forced to plead with the gathering and his community to give him a chance to speak but his efforts were in vain.

He further appealed to them that he is their son and they shouldn't chase him away from the rally. 

Emgwen Member of Parliament and Nandi senatorial hopeful Alex Kosgei
Emgwen Member of Parliament and Nandi senatorial hopeful Alex Kosgei
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"Even if I don't have money, at the end of the day I am yours and I haven't wronged you. I am pleading with you not to insult me. 

"I know there are people who have money and I am telling you I am home. I am humbly asking you to please exercise peace and love among others. Let us not fight or quarrel because of politics. Even if I don't get votes I will still be a son of this community," Kosgei stated.

He reiterated that he was on a mission to listen to the county residents and encourage people to foster peace ahead of the August 9 polls. 

Notably, his supporters who were among the crowd cheered him on to counter the rowdy youth. 

Last week, Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung'wah was caught in a crossfire after he was heckled for trying to attack Lari MP Jonah Mburu in Kiambu County.

Ichung'wah digressed to talk about MP Mburu in an apparent attempt to disparage him for supporting Azimio la Umoja. 

In September 2021, Presidential hopeful Jimi Wanjigi's convoy was pelted with stones in Migori County. A few months later, Deputy President William Ruto's convoy was also stoned in Kisumu County. 

The National Police Service (NPS), the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) have constantly urged politicians to exercise restraint and avoid making remarks bordering on hate speech and incitement. 

Politicians have also spoken out against their colleagues and reiterated the need to preach peace in the 2022 succession race. 

Jimi Wanjigi evading stones pelted at his motorcade in Migori County on Friday, September 17, 2021.
Jimi Wanjigi evading stones pelted at his motorcade in Migori County on Friday, September 17, 2021.
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The ODM politician, who is challenging Raila Odinga for the party presidential ticket, was forced to cut short his speech and speed out of Migori town on day two of his Nyanza tour.

His meeting was aborted after a section of delegates accused him of disrespecting the party leader, Raila Odinga. Addressing residents while in his motorcade, Wanjigi was met with jeers and heckling from a rowdy group that started hurling stones at him.

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