Tensions flared on Tuesday evening at the Kisumu High Court when George Okong’o, the County Executive Committee Member for Finance, narrowly avoided imprisonment. High Court Judge Shariff Mwanaisha suspended Okong’o’s two-month sentence, instead fining him Ksh.200,000 in a contempt of court case involving the county's delayed payment to a contractor.
Justice Mwanaisha postponed the sentence until December 19, 2024, to allow the county time to settle an outstanding Ksh.8 million balance with Majock Construction Firm, which is owed Ksh.16 million in total.
Following the court session, a chaotic scene erupted as uniformed and plainclothes police officers attempted to re-arrest Okong’o. His security team, along with other county staff, prevented the police from apprehending him, sparking a scuffle that left several people injured. The altercation spilled out of the courthouse and continued toward City Hall, where the crowd's resistance led to a broken door as police persisted in trying to detain Okong’o.
In the commotion, Okong’o managed to take refuge in Governor Anyang Nyong’o’s office, where he remained until police ultimately withdrew after discussions. During the ordeal, Okong’o reportedly sustained minor injuries.
