Unrest in Siaya Town as demonstrators demand release of MCA

Siaya

Thursday, July 20, 2023

KNA by David Okoth/Calvin Otieno

Tension rose in Siaya town Thursday morning as a group of agitated youth engaged police in running battles demanding the release of Siaya Township ward MCA Mr. Obiero Otare who was arraigned in court following his arrest.

The MCA was arrested following the Wednesday demonstrations which paralyzed business and transport operations in Siaya. He was arraigned in Siaya High Court today morning awaiting the hearing of his alleged offenses and a determination by the court. 

However, the MCA was kept at bay in the high court dock for a period of more than two hours waiting for the judge who had not arrived in the court. 

The rowdy youth flocked the Law court gates demanding the release of the MCA but they were blocked by a team of police officers who guarded the court premises.

After a while, the charged crowd lost patience after which they crossed lines with police officers, engaging them in a battle of stones and barricades along the roads leading to the court.

In an effort to restore peace, the officers lobbed teargas canisters at the crowd who staged demonstrations around the court. 

This battle left Siaya town a deserted place as shops, banks and offices remain closed while the atmosphere was filled with the aftermath of choking gases.

Courtesy ; K. N. A