Chaos in Kisumu as Irate Youth Burn President Uhuru's Billboard

Chaos erupted in the lakeside city of Kisumu on Wednesday as police dispersed a group of youth who drove away workers erecting a banner with President Uhuru Kenyatta’s portrait near Jubilee market.

The rowdy youth set ablaze the banner before police lobbed teargas canisters to disperse them as they blocked Kisumu-Nairobi Road, halting operation on the busy highway.

Motorists were forced to divert to alternative routes after the crowd turned hostile, chanting ‘Uhuru must go’ and ‘No Raila no peace’ slogans.

“We are still hurt, they should wait for the case to be determined first before he is congratulated. All they are doing is provoking us,” said a resident, Zablon Awilo.

John Oketch, another resident said they read provocation from the billboard because National Super Alliance supporters are awaiting the hearing and ruling of the Supreme Court on petition filed by opposition leader Raila Odinga, challenging President Uhuru's reelection.

"There is a case challenging (President) Uhuru's win in court, why is his banner being placed here yet this region is yet to heal from a denied victory," said Mr Oketch.

He added that it was illegal for the banner to be erected, while the electoral commission had ordered all campaign material to be pulled down within seven days.

“It seems some people are above the law, if they can go against orders by IEBC,” said Oketch.