Gunshots in Kitale as Youths Allegedly Demand ‘Mobilisation Fees’ for Attending Kindiki’s Event

Gunshots in Kitale as Youths Allegedly Demand ‘Mobilisation Fees’ for Attending Kindiki’s Event

Tension gripped Kitale on Tuesday after gunshots were heard during protests by a group of youths who allegedly demanded payment for attending an event hosted by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.

Witnesses and videos circulating on social media show dozens of young people blocking a police vehicle along a busy road, chanting and insisting they had not received promised “mobilisation fees” for participating in the Deputy President’s visit.

In the footage, the protesters are heard repeatedly shouting “We want our money,” while surrounding the vehicle and preventing it from moving.

Moments later, a loud gunshot is heard, believed to have been fired by police officers in an apparent attempt to disperse the crowd as tensions escalated. Authorities have not confirmed whether the shot was fired into the air or if it resulted in injuries.

By Wednesday morning, no official statement had been issued regarding casualties or arrests, leaving uncertainty over the full extent of the incident.

Local leaders and residents expressed concern that the situation could have turned deadly, given the close proximity between the demonstrators and security personnel.

Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi condemned the police response and accused political actors of failing to honour commitments allegedly made to the youths.

“Kindiki and your UDA brigade stop shooting our youths in Kitale. They are simply demanding what you promised them for mobilisation,” Amisi said in a strongly worded statement.

He further alleged that many of the young people had abandoned their daily work to attend the event, expecting compensation.

“They left their hustle to come and listen to your lies. You must pay them accordingly,” he added.

The Deputy President had been in Kitale as part of an official development tour, during which he inspected and commissioned several government projects. According to local officials, he also addressed residents in the Maili Saba area on the progress of ongoing initiatives and future plans for the region.

Government representatives have not responded directly to claims that attendees were promised payments, and there is no formal confirmation that mobilisation fees were authorised.

However, the episode has reignited debate over long-standing allegations that political gatherings in Kenya sometimes rely on paid attendance to boost crowds. Critics argue that such practices undermine genuine civic participation and place financial pressure on organisers.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua previously claimed that up to KSh3 million per rally had been allocated to mobilise supporters, though these assertions have been disputed by government officials.

Anti-corruption watchdog Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has also cautioned public officials against using state resources for political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that such actions would constitute misuse of public funds.

Security analysts say the Kitale incident highlights the volatile mix of economic hardship, youth unemployment, and heightened political activity, factors that can quickly turn routine events into flashpoints

Residents reported heavy police presence in parts of the town following the unrest, though normal business gradually resumed later in the day.

As investigations continue, observers say authorities face pressure to clarify what transpired, determine whether excessive force was used, and address allegations of promised payments.

For many locals, the incident has raised broader concerns about the safety of public engagements and the accountability of leaders during political tours.

Whether the gunshot was a warning shot or part of a more serious confrontation remains unclear — but the episode has left Kitale residents shaken and renewed calls for transparent, peaceful engagement between leaders and citizens.

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Gunshots in Kitale as Youths Allegedly Demand ‘Mobilisation Fees’ for Attending Kindiki’s Event