Tension has rocked parts of the Mt Elgon region after two people were arrested following a confrontation over the weekend pitting rival political factions ahead of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) nominations today.

The suspects were detained at Chesikaki Police Station and were later released on police cash bail awaiting to be arraigned in court.

Two supporters of area MP Fred Kapondi were injured after they were attacked with an arrow while another one was slashed with a panga.

The incident took place at Tuikut village, Chesikaki location in Cheptais sub-county.

High alert

Mt Elgon region is a volatile area that has witnessed tribal clashes and the emergence of ragtag militia groups including the Sabaot Land Defence Force which was brought to a halt after its ring leader Wycliffe Matwakei was gunned down in 2008.

 Security personnel are on high alert to stop any further attacks associated with politics.

Kapondi will be facing his fiery rival Allan Chemayiek and the other six aspirants salivating for the UDA ticket in today’s exercise.

It is alleged that Kapondi’s supporters who were on a roadshow were confronted by Chemayiek’s supporters and one person was hit with an arrow.

During the incident, some of the aspirants’ supporters also sustained panga cuts and were rushed to Cheptais Sub County hospital where they were treated and discharged.

Mt Elgon residents led by Rev Arap Psongoywo, called on the two leaders to restrain their supporters from confronting each other, adding that they aren’t ready to witness a repeat of any form of violence.

“We are a peaceful region nowadays, let politicians warn their supporters from confronting each other, politics will come and go but peace must be maintained,” said Psongoywo.

This comes as UDA is racing against time to finalise its nominations ahead of the Friday deadline with several MPs’ seats yet to be decided.

Parties have until April 22 to complete their primaries and the party has set Thursday as the last day to hold nominations. 

Today, UDA supporters in Nandi Hills, Moiben, Nakuru Town West, Rongai, Mt Elgon, Turkana East and West constituencies will have a chance to pick who to fly the party’s ticket in August.

UDA has also set elections for Embakasi East tomorrow (Wednesday). They will also conduct joint nominations with Amani National Congress in Dagoretti North and Mathare on the same day. UDA has also scheduled repeat polls for Roysambu and Kamukunji tomorrow.

On Thursday, the outfit will hold repeat nominations in Mogotio after results were also annulled last week.