A groundbreaking ceremony for a new market in Kiganjo, Thika, led by area MP Alice Ng’ang’a, descended into chaos on Friday. Initially a peaceful event, the situation turned violent when Kamenu MCA Mburu Kang’ethe allegedly stormed the ceremony.
After addressing her constituents, Ng’ang’a, accompanied by other leaders, proceeded to the market site for the planned ceremony. However, they faced unexpected and violent resistance upon arrival.
A group of youths, reportedly mobilized by MCA Kang’ethe, had stationed themselves at the site and began hurling stones at Ng’ang’a’s team.
Eyewitnesses reported that the situation quickly escalated. “All was well with the leaders addressing supporters,” one attendee noted. “But all hell broke loose when they proceeded to the groundbreaking venue. They were pushed back by a group of youths determined to block them from accessing the venue.”
The altercation intensified as the youths used stones to repel MP Ng’ang’a and her entourage. The situation became dire when shots were fired into the air in an attempt to disperse the crowds, adding to the chaos and fear among attendees.
The violence and ensuing melee effectively disrupted the planned handover of the market construction site to the contractor.
Among the leaders accompanying the Thika MP were Majority Leader in the National Assembly Kimani Ichung’wah and Gatundu South MP GG Kagombe.
