Protests over the high cost of living turned chaotic in Busia town on Wednesday after the rowdy mobs vandalised property at the Busia stadium and other businesses.

In what was seen as a retaliatory move after their leaders were denied access into the stadium, youths from Marachi estate demolished the stadium completely and looted equipment of unknown value.
Earlier, a local lobby group, Youth for Peace Alliance had stopped the Azimio leaders motorcade from addressing the protesters.

The demonstrators, led by ODM deputy party leader Wycliffe Oparanya Roots Party leader George Wajackoya and Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo were denied entry in the stadium with the former Kakamega governor blaming police for using excessive force to disperse their meeting.
“Police engaged us with excess force even though we were protesting peacefully from Bumala towards town,” noted Oparanya.

Busia residents led by Moses Wasike however accused Oparanya of undermining the local governor Dr Paul Otuoma by leading the riots in the county.

“Oparanya and Wajackoya must stop causing destruction in Busia county. If he was genuine about the demonstrations, he would have staged them in Kakamega,” said Wasike alluding to the fact that the two leaders hail from the neighbouring Kakamega and not Busia.