Police have launched a manhunt for Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) youth leader Benson Musungu who allegedly fired shots at the party headquarters on Wednesday.
Chaos erupted at the party’s offices after Nominated Senator Elizabeth Ongoro arrived at the venue with a group of rowdy youth demanding to be told why Ruaraka Member of Parliament TJ Kajwang had been given direct nomination.
They accused the National Elections Board of removing Ongoro’s name from the list of contestants for the Ruaraka Parliamentary seat.
The unruly crowd tried to force their way into the office of executive director Oduor Ongwen, accusing him of collecting money from Kajwang in exchange for the nomination certificate.
A melee ensued and gunshots were fired in the air as people scampered for safety.
It is believed that Musungu fired in the air to disrupt the youth.
No casualties were reported.
Inspector General (IG) of Police Joseph Boinett on Wednesday issued a new directive indicating that anyone caught firing in the air anyhow would be prosecuted.
Boinett noted that there had been increased cases of people firing in the air and warned that there will be no favouritism in the crackdown against those contravening the law.
"We have noticed a tendency of individuals firing in the air anyhow thereby causing unnecessary panic. Anybody falling afoul of the firearms Act will certainly face the full sanctions of that law.
“We shall enforce all relevant laws with the necessary firmness and impartiality without favouring any persons irrespective of their political persuasion,” he remarked.
This comes after shots were also fired during an ODM rally in Migori County that left the bodyguard of Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho nursing a gunshot wound.
