Some motorcycles and property were destroyed on Thursday evening after a fracas erupted between two groups of youths at Garage Road in Homa Bay town.
Chaos started when some youths believed to be mechanics were trying to block another group from accessing the area where Governor Gladys Wanga was meeting them.
The governor went to the garage to meet with the mechanics and discuss how her administration would empower them as a way of fulfilling her 2022 election campaign pledges.
Wanga had promised to improve the sanitation of the place and increase the space for operation.
“We’re looking for resources to improve the working conditions and overall welfare of the Jua Kali people here at Garage Road. Our main goal is to create a better business environment for all informal sector groups,” Wanga said.
After the governor concluded her speech, some rowdy youths who blocked outside started pushing colleagues to enable them to access the dais.
In the process, some started throwing stones. Wanga managed to leave the place without injuries.
Chairman of the mechanics George Orawo said the youths pelted them with stones and destroyed machines including motorbikes they were repairing.
“The meeting with the governor was purely about empowering people in the Jua Kali sector. The youths started chaos after they were denied access because they were gatecrashing the meeting,” Orawo said.
The confrontation led to the destruction of motorbikes, Tuk Tuk and some shops around the place.
During the conflict, the youth hurled stones and wooden clubs which ended up destroying some buildings and Tuk Tuk.
It forced people who were seeking various services at Garage Road to scamper for their safety, leaving the area a no-go zone for the warring groups.
The tension lasted for more than 45 minutes before police were called to intervene and quell the tension.
Homa Bay County Police Commander Hassan Barua said he had to send his officers to quell the tension.
“I had to send officers to the scene to quell the tension and prevent further damage of property. Let our youth embrace peace,” Barua said.