DP Ruto condemns 'regressive stone-throwing culture' after chaos rocked Kondele rally

In a series of Tweets on Wednesday, the 2022 presidential hopeful castigated leaders and political groupings that use violence to advance their selfish cause after his rally in Kondele was disrupted and his motorcade pelted with stones, forcing police officers to lob tear-gas at the rowdy crowd. 

"Our plans and programmes will ensure that the youth are liberated from regressive stone-throwing culture by engaging them in gainful activities that will better their lives through the Bottom-Up Economic Model," the DP Tweeted. 

Although it was not immediately established whether anyone sustained injuries during the hectic rally, several photos shared by the DP showed several cars that bore the brunt of the stone-wielding hecklers. 

Several cars spotted smashed windscreens and broken side-mirrors; one of the cars also sported streaks of crimson that resembled blood stains. 

Police officers charged with maintaining order during the rally were forced to lob teargas canisters to disperse rowdy youth who tried to disrupt the DP's campaign caravan in Kondele early Wednesday. 

Local residents were seen hurling stones at the deputy president's convoy triggering a clash with police officers who battled to contain the situation.

Amid the chaos, the DP was heard trying to calm down the crowd, even as he accused his rivals of hiring youth to throw stones.

"Kisumu hii ni Kenya. Na Kisumu hii tutahakikisha tumekomboa Kisumu kutoka mambo ya mawe," said Ruto.

"We must get rid of the leaders who hire young people to throw stones."

Ruto is on Wednesday expected to complete his tour of Kisumu before heading to Migori County.

He is on a three-day charm offensive of the Nyanza region, which has long been viewed as a Raila Odinga backyard.

On Tuesday he engaged the youth at the Susan Owiyo Arts Centre in Kisumu West.