Tensions flare after MP allegedly attacks chief, leaves him unconscious
By K24 Editorial, January 21, 2021By Mary Goretty Juma in Siaya County.
Police are hunting Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi for allegedly assaulting a chief in Siaya County.
South East Alego Chief, Joseph Ogutu Onjala, who is receiving treatment at a private hospital in Siaya Town, claims Atandi and his bodyguards stormed his home at 6pm Wednesday and assaulted him, causing him head and chest injuries.
Onjala alleged Atandi had accused him of hiring youth to disrupt a Wednesday event presided over by the MP.
Earlier Wednesday, the legislator commissioned the renovation of classrooms at Unna Primary School, a function which aborted after youth disrupted the ceremony.
After word got around that Atandi had attacked the local chief, leaving him unconscious, tens of youth pursued the MP, who rushed to the nearby Nyangoma Police Station for refuge.
While at the station, the MP, however, recorded a statement, saying his function had been disrupted by rowdy youth, who wanted to harm him.
It remains unclear how the parliamentarian managed to get out of police protection.
Reports suggest that Chief Onjala’s assistant has also gone missing in unexplained circumstances.
Siaya County Commissioner Michael ole Tialal told K24 Digital that police have since launched a hunt for MP Atandi.
“We do not where he (Atandi) is, but once we apprehend him, we shall subject him to investigations and subsequent legal action,” said ole Tialal.
Tensions flared Thursday morning after tens of boda boda operators gathered in Siaya Town to protest against Atandi’s unexplained “escape” from Nyangoma Police Station.