Tensions flared in Vihiga County as President William Ruto toured Luanda town to launch the construction of a new market.
The event, meant to celebrate progress, quickly turned chaotic as local leaders were heckled off the stage by dissatisfied residents.
Vihiga Governor Wilbur Ottichilo, Woman Representative Beatrice Adagala, and area MP Dick Maungu faced a hostile crowd that refused to listen to their speeches.
Chants and boos from the audience forced them to cut their addresses short, signaling a deep-seated frustration among the locals.
Earlier, traders had expressed their discontent over the demolition of the old Luanda Market.
The process, seen as rushed and poorly communicated, left many feeling displaced and overlooked.
For the traders, the promise of a new market did little to ease the pain of losing their livelihoods temporarily.
The atmosphere in Luanda was charged, with emotions running high as residents voiced their grievances.
Their frustration pointed to a lack of consultation and transparency in handling the market project.
Many felt their concerns had been ignored, fueling the anger displayed during the event.
President Ruto’s visit was intended to symbolize development and progress, but the chaotic scenes reflected a disconnect between leaders and the community.
While the project aims to improve the local economy by providing modern facilities for traders, the hurried demolition of the old market has left a bitter taste for many.
Despite the disruption, Ruto addressed the crowd, urging unity and promising that the new market would uplift the local economy and create opportunities for traders.
His words sought to restore calm, but the day’s events highlighted the need for better engagement with the community to ensure development projects align with their expectations.
The heckling incident serves as a reminder of the importance of involving locals in decisions that affect their lives.
For Vihiga residents, their voices may have been drowned out initially, but their message was clear: leadership must be responsive, inclusive, and transparent.
