There was drama at the Milimani high court when youth said to be supporters of Nairobi governor Evans Kidero heckled and even attacked Kakamega senator Bonny Khalwale.
Khalwale had attended a defamation case filed by the Nairobi governor against him over claims he made about Kidero’s involvement in the collapse of the Mumias Sugar Company.
Khalwale wanted the order barring him from linking kidero to the collapse of the sugar company lifted.
Former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has recounted a harrowing incident from July 2015 when he was forced to seek refuge in a toilet to escape a mob of rowdy youths allegedly aligned with then-Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero.
The altercation occurred at Milimani Law Courts during a defamation case filed by Kidero against Khalwale over remarks linking him to the financial troubles of Mumias Sugar Company.
As Khalwale exited the court, a group of youths, reportedly chanting pro-Kidero slogans, confronted him. The situation escalated rapidly, compelling Khalwale to retreat into a toilet for safety until security personnel intervened.
This incident was not an isolated event. In November 2019, during the Kibra by-election, Khalwale faced another hostile encounter. While observing the voting process at Kibra’s Social Grounds, he was accused by local youths of voter bribery.
The situation deteriorated as stones were thrown at him, and he was physically tackled to the ground. His bodyguards discharged warning shots to disperse the crowd, and Khalwale managed to flee the scene with their assistance.
These episodes highlight the volatile nature of Kenyan political contests, where tensions can escalate into physical confrontations.
Khalwale’s experiences underscore the challenges faced by politicians in navigating the charged political landscapes of their constituencies.
