Guard injured in Nyamira as Assembly dispute escalates

A security guard manning the gates at the Nyamira County Assembly is fighting for his life after unknown people set the sentry where he was stationed on fire.

The incident that took place early yesterday morning left the watchman with third-degree burns, doctors confirmed.

Nyamira County Referral Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Angela Ogendi confirmed the guard was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the hospital with doctors working round the clock to save his life.

“We received a patient who according to our assessment had suffered third-degree burns. We did our best to stabilize him and he is currently at the Hospital’s ICU where doctors are putting every effort to save his life,” Dr Ogendi said.

Nyamira County Criminal Investigations boss Kiboro Mwaniki said investigations had been instituted to establish the cause of the fire. Kiboro said he could not divulge more information concerning the incident. “A guard who was manning the gate to the Assembly is at the hospital and it was evident he suffered serious burns. We have just started investigations but we cannot give any information as of now,” Kiboro said.

Suspected arsonists

The incident happened a few hours after Bomwagamo MCA Julius Nyankana’s house was torched by people believed to be arsonists. The single-storey house in the Nyamiacho area, about five kilometres from Nyamira town was partly burnt and no one was injured.

Nyankana said he was awakened by a loud noise that he said may have emanated from a window that was broken by the arsonists.

He said his call for help attracted neighbours who rushed to help him put out the fire. “I shouted for help and my neighbours came in time to help us put out the fire. I think this could not be far from attempted political assassination,” he said.

Witnessed chaos

The happenings come a day after the County Assembly witnessed chaos among MCAs following the suspension of Speaker Enock Okero. Two opposing sides of MCA; those against and those pro-Okero crashed when the embattled Speaker arrived, wanting to enter the House.

No one was seriously injured in the melee. The dispute has laid bare the extent of infighting within Nyamira’s leadership, with political rifts deepening in the aftermath of the governor’s narrowly averted impeachment.

Governor Nyaribo survived the motion to remove him by a single vote, with 22 of the 34 MCAs supporting his ouster—one short of the required threshold.

His close escape has fuelled a bitter divide in the assembly, with factions seeking to settle scores and solidify their positions.

The political discord intensified as Okelo moved to reinstate officials previously sacked for supporting Nyaribo, a move fiercely opposed by many MCAs.

The conflict revolves around efforts to reinstate former Majority Leader Mose and two County Assembly Service Board (CASB) members. Their dismissal last month was linked to their backing of the governor during the impeachment saga.

The MCAs opposed to their reinstatement have been vocal, citing allegations of constitutional violations and misuse of office.

In October 2023, MCAs elected on Nyaribo’s United Progressive Alliance (UPA) party, who are the majority, mobilised against his impeachment. Nyamira County has 20 elected and 15 nominated MCAs: UPA (six), Orange Democratic Movement (four), Jubilee (two) and Ford Kenya (two).