Man arrested with teargas canister in suspected plot to disrupt ODM polls

Police in Nyakach Constituency, located in Siaya County, apprehended a man found in possession of crude weapons and a tear gas canister.

The arrest came after officers successfully thwarted an attempt to interfere with the ongoing Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party elections taking place at the Kodingo chief’s camp.

Four of his accomplices managed to escape by a whisker after being confronted by members of the public who had gathered for the event.

The suspect who was caught was found in possession of a tear gas canister. Police officers on patrol intervened and rescued him, rushing him to the hospital after he was attacked by the crowd with kicks and blows.

Party supporters claim that the suspect, along with four other youths, stormed the Kodingo chief's camp in Nyakach, where the election of sub-county officials was scheduled to take place.

Authorities recovered a tear gas canister, pangas, and knives from a suspect whose accomplices managed to flee after being subjected to a severe beating.

During questioning, the suspect claimed they had traveled from the nearby Nyando constituency and were allegedly hired by a politician to cause chaos during the election.