Police have gone after youth reportedly responsible for chaos during First Lady Rachel Ruto’s empowerment event in Siaya County. Her motorcade was blocked by a group of rowdy youth in Siaya town on September 8, 2026, shortly after a women’s economic empowerment function at the KMTC grounds.
In a statement on September 9, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said it had arrested 12 suspects following the incident.
According to the DCI, the convoy was heading towards a designated landing and take-off site after the conclusion of the function.
“Law enforcement officers in Siaya have arrested 12 suspects following a chaotic incident in which a group of rowdy youth attempted to obstruct a convoy of dignitaries in Siaya town. The incident occurred yesterday, September 8, 2026, shortly after the conclusion of a women’s economic empowerment function held at the Siaya KMTC grounds,” DCI said in a statement.
A group of youth allegedly attempted to force their way through a secured gate as the convoy approached.
Police officers manning the entrance were confronted by the group, which allegedly obstructed the movement of the motorcade.
12 suspects arrested after DCI confrontation
Stones were also allegedly hurled at police officers during the confrontation at the secured entrance.
Officers responded swiftly and restored order in the area, according to the DCI.
Law enforcement arrested twelve suspects believed to have been involved in the incident.
Police took those arrested into custody for processing as investigations into the incident continued.
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The DCI said the suspects are expected to face arraignment after completion of the necessary police procedures.
Investigators are also pursuing additional leads to establish whether other individuals participated in the incident.
“The suspects are currently in police custody undergoing processing, pending arraignment, as detectives continue investigations with a view to bringing to book any other persons found to have been involved in the incident.”
Further arrests could follow if detectives identify other people believed to have been involved.
Rachel Ruto Visits Siaya for Women’s Empowerment Programme
Rachel Ruto visited Siaya County on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, for a women’s economic empowerment event held at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) grounds in Siaya.
The event focused on the Joyful Women Organisation (JoyWo), founded by Rachel Ruto, and brought together local women’s groups to discuss economic empowerment, savings, table banking, entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihoods.
The programme marked the launch and expansion of Joyful Women activities in Siaya, where the organisation previously had a limited presence.
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Siaya County First Lady Betty Orengo welcomed Rachel Ruto during the event. She highlighted the role of existing women’s groups in promoting financial literacy and encouraged more women to register with JoyWo.
Betty Orengo also spoke about the need to address challenges facing women, including issues associated with the “triple threat,” while promoting collective financial empowerment.
During the function, Rachel Ruto participated in activities including flagging off trucks and interacting with women participating in the programme.
She has previously highlighted the efforts of women in Siaya to save, invest, and improve their livelihoods through collective initiatives.
On the same day, Rachel Ruto visited Okela Primary and Okela Secondary Schools in Siaya.
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