Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o
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Tensions escalated in Kisumu on Tuesday evening when law enforcement attempted to apprehend George Okong'o, the County Executive Committee Member for Finance, immediately following his release on bond by High Court Judge Shariff Mwanaisha.
The incident, which unfolded outside the courthouse, devolved into a violent altercation resulting in multiple injuries. The court appearance stemmed from Okong'o's failure to settle a 16-million-shilling debt owed to Majock Construction Firm. While Judge Mwanaisha suspended a two-month sentence in favour of a 200,000-shilling fine and extended the payment deadline to December 19, 2024, the relative calm following the ruling was short-lived. As Okong'o prepared to depart the courthouse, law enforcement officers moved to detain him, triggering a chaotic scene.
Footage captured at the scene revealed a protective circle of supporters and aides surrounding Okong'o as police attempted to block his exit. The ensuing struggle spilled over to City Hall resulting in property damage including shattered windows and doors. During the confrontation, Okong'o's security detail reportedly clashed with police officers, though the finance officer himself managed to avoid arrest, sustaining only minor injuries. The situation de-escalated only after discussions between police and county officials. This disturbance follows a similar incident in Migori County just weeks prior, where a dispute over quarry leasing rights led to violence.
That confrontation, which began during Governor Ochillo Ayacko's attempted mediation, left six individuals injured, including three police officers and a County Assembly member. Meanwhile, Kisumu County faces a potential escalation as healthcare workers and county employees threaten to suspend all services, including emergency care, by Friday due to two months of unpaid salaries. The strike, initiated on October 23, involves multiple unions representing clinical officers, nurses, and medical professionals.
Union leaders assert that despite recent disbursements from the National Treasury, the county administration has failed to prioritize worker payments. The situation is particularly severe for contract workers, who receive lower wages than permanent staff for identical duties. Employee representatives demand transparency regarding the allocation of funds and seek public support as the crisis continues to affect service delivery.