KISUMU: A gang of machete-wielding goons today disrupted a high-level stakeholder meeting chaired by Kisumu City Manager Abala Wanga, in what authorities believe was a targeted attempt to cause him bodily harm.

Mr Wanga had convened the consultative forum to bring together key regional transport and economic stakeholders.

In attendance were representatives from the Kisumu County Security teams, Kisumu Bus Park Transport Company, Kisumu Tuk Tuk Association, Bus Park Kiosk Owners, local hawkers, and the Mowlem and Nyamasaria communities.

The sole objective of the meeting was to establish a joint committee to oversee the operationalization of the city’s new satellite bus parks.

According to a press release issued by the Kisumu City Directorate of Communication, the intruders stormed the venue just as the deliberations were drawing to a close.

“Regrettably, as the meeting concluded, a group of individuals armed with pangas, rungus, and other crude weapons stormed the venue, vandalized property, and robbed several participants, including students, of their mobile phones, laptops, and other personal belongings,” read part of the official statement obtained by Kondele News.

Preliminary assessments by security details at the scene indicate that the invaders specifically targeted Mr Wanga, who narrowly escaped unharmed during the chaotic melee.

The Kisumu City Management has strongly condemned the attack and formally petitioned the police to expedite investigations, track down the orchestrators, and ensure the perpetrators face the full force of the law.