Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho was on Sunday forced to end his rally at Frere town grounds after unknown assailants threw pepper spray at the podium throwing the whole forum into a limbo.
Joho together with other ODM leaders were whisked away by their security details as residents scampered for safety.
A parliamentary aspirant, David Nyamai, noted that the people who threw the canister wanted to hurt leaders and destroy Joho's homecoming party.
"Whoever threw that pepper canister wanted to hurt people and the police should swing in and start investigations to hunt the culprit," Mr Nyamai was quoted.
Mtongwe Ward MCA aspirant Joseph Mositet said that the meeting was halted immediately to ensure no one was injured.
"It caught many unawares and immediately after a stampede broke out sending everybody helter skelter as women and children cried for help," he said.
Confirming the incident, Kisauni deputy OCPD Walter Abondo stated that investigations into the incident had started.
"I understand that no one was injured during the fracas. We have launched investigations to establish who threw the pepper spray," Mr Abondo affirmed.
Joho had arrived in the country after an over two-week visit in the US. Upon his arrival, he received a warm reception from his supporters who had been waiting to welcome him at the Moi International airport.
