Tension flared early Thursday at the usually quiet Kanyuambora shopping centre in Mbeere North, as political activities in the region intensified ahead of the November 27 by-election.
According to eyewitness accounts, a crowd believed to be part of an ongoing campaign convoy forced its way into a local shop, clearing shelves and making away with goods in a dramatic scene caught on video. The footage shows several people dressed in green campaign reflectors rushing out of the premises with stolen items before dispersing in different directions.
While it remains unclear whether the incident was directly tied to politics, some individuals involved in the looting were seen wearing branded material linked to one of the aspirants seeking the constituency seat.
At the same time, the area is hosting high-profile political visits. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua are in Mbeere North conducting final rallies as the campaign clock winds down. Earlier in the day, Kindiki led a well-attended People’s Forum in Kanyuambora, where he urged residents to rally behind UDA’s Leonard Muthede.
The by-election atmosphere continues to grow more charged as leaders make their final appeals to voters even as Thursday’s chaotic episode raises fresh concerns about security and conduct on the campaign trail.
