As Kenyans hold their breath on Thursday following the lethal riots in various parts of the country on Tuesday, gangs emerged in Eldoret town, President William Ruto’s stronghold, daring any demonstrators to take to the streets.
Sources in the town said the gangs appeared organised with a command structure and were clearly following orders as they strode through town, chanting tribal war songs.
It was similar gangs that were responsible for the post-election violence of 2007, an which were blamed on Ruto, leading to his arraignment at the ICC. Uasin Gishu, Ruto’s hometown, surprised many with its strong demonstrations, which resulted in property owned by one of Ruto’s confidants, Oscar Sudi, being vandalised and destroyed.
The emerging gangs could exacerbate the situation and lead to a second arraignment for Ruto, if he is found to be connected to any violence unleashed by the gangs.