Tensions flare in Kisii as political rifts overshadow church fund drive

Hell broke loose when UDA lawmakers clashed with their counterparts in ODM over the performance by the government. Police were forced to lob tear gas to disperse the leaders and their supporters.

On Sunday afternoon, leaders from the Gusii region converged at Etono's Pentecostal Assemblies of God grounds for a fund drive to foster development among five P.A.G churches in the area.

The National Assembly's Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro led a delegation from Kenya Kwanza for the church function, while host legislator Obadiah Barongo and Kitutu Chache South lawmaker Antony Kibagendi represented the Azimio Brigade.

Political temperatures started rising at the event the moment political leaders took their differences to the pulpit. Youth backing the political leaders joined in heckling the leaders in the opposing camps.

And when Kibagendi's speech was suddenly interrupted over his criticism of Kenya Kwanza lawmakers in the region, hell broke loose. 

Chaos ensued, and Etono grounds turned into a battleground of sorts, with police lobbing tear gas to disperse the crowd. 

The area Sub County Commandant Gomba Sebe together with his security team had a difficult time restoring order.

The church leadership couldn't hide its displeasure with the bad manners of politicians. Richard Obwoge, P.A.G National General Secretary, expressed, "Sasa mkikuja kutusaidia mkuwe makini, respect our God ata kama mnatusaidia. We have a way we worship our God, tumechukua ibada sasa ni ya kanisa. We want money only and if you don't want to give us money please you are free don't worry." 

Japheth Nyakundi, MP Kitutu Chache North who is also the UDA National Treasurer, added, "We cannot be blessed if we come to church to bring violence and noise, we cannot even hear the word of the Lord."

But this is just the latest of ugly scenes from political rivalry in Kisii that has seen even more in previous months.