A Radio Citizen Live event in Busia County was brought to an abrupt halt on Saturday, October 31, after suspected hired goons stormed the venue and disrupted proceedings.
The Utepeni programme, hosted by Citizen TV presenters Josephat Odipo and Joseph Njane, was interrupted when the suspected goons invaded Alupe University, where the public engagement forum was taking place.
The intruders reportedly caused chaos at the venue, preventing residents from participating in the live broadcast and engaging their leaders on issues affecting the county.
As tensions escalated, the two presenters were forced to suspend the broadcast, leaving members of the public unable to air their concerns about development projects and service delivery.
Police officers later intervened at the university premises in an attempt to restore order after the disruption brought the programme to a standstill.
The incident reportedly began when a resident from Butula questioned the county government over the location of schools where it had constructed Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) classrooms.
The question allegedly triggered commotion at the venue instead of prompting a response from county officials. Local reports have since suggested that the disruption was politically motivated.
The forum had been organised to provide Busia residents with a platform to hold their leaders accountable on matters relating to development, healthcare infrastructure and education.
The incident has drawn condemnation from several leaders and residents, who questioned why members of the public were being prevented from raising legitimate concerns through a live public forum.
Busia County leaders also denounced the disruption, maintaining that residents should be free to question their county government without intimidation, threats or interference from organised groups.
The incident adds to a growing list of confrontations involving goons and members of the media fraternity.
On October 2, 2026, pro-government demonstrators reportedly attempted to storm the Standard Group headquarters along Mombasa Road. However, police officers blocked their entry, preventing them from accessing the premises.
Meanwhile, the National Police Service (NPS) has directed officers to intensify operations against political goons and criminal gangs across the country.
The police service warned commanders that they would face administrative consequences if they failed to take effective action against the groups.
