A dramatic scene unfolded at the Kisumu High Court on Tuesday evening when George Okong’o, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Finance, narrowly avoided imprisonment.
High Court Judge Shariff Mwanaisha chose to suspend Okong’o’s two-month sentence in a contempt of court case, instead imposing a fine of sh. 200,000.
The case revolved around the county’s failure to pay a contractor, Majock Construction Firm, which is owed sh. 16 million; so far, the county has only paid sh. 8 million.
Justice Mwanaisha postponed the conviction until December 19, 2024, to allow the county time to settle the outstanding payment.
However, chaos erupted immediately after the judge adjourned for the day.
Both uniformed and plainclothes police attempted to arrest Okong’o, but his security team, along with other county employees, intervened to prevent the arrest.
This led to a scuffle, with several people sustaining injuries as a large crowd surged through the court corridors.
The disturbance continued as the crowd moved toward City Hall, home to Governor Anyang Nyong’o’s office.
Police, determined to re-arrest Okong’o, encountered further resistance, resulting in a broken door during the commotion.
Fortunately, Okong’o managed to seek refuge in the Governor’s office, where he remained while officers waited outside.
After some time, he left the office following discussions.
During the altercation, Okong’o reportedly sustained minor injuries.
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