The authorities in Unity State have confirmed that a former Rubkona County commissioner, Stephen Salam Maluit, is in detention after allegedly opening fire at Rubkona County airstrip during the arrival of gubernatorial candidate Michael Chanjiek Geay last Thursday morning.
Major General Samuel Tet, the police commissioner in Unity State, said Salam arrived at the airstrip with more than 20 armed individuals but was denied entry by security forces.
He added that Salam opened fire after refusing to follow instructions from security personnel, leading to a confrontation and exchange of fire between the armed group and security forces.
“When he was advised by the security forces and police officers at the airport to go back with his soldiers and wait for Honorable Chiengjiek at his residence, he opened fire,” he explained. “He could not accept the advice, and then that is what happened.’
Michael Chanjiek Geay, a former national Minister of Land, Housing and Urban Development, was travelling to Unity State as part of his campaign to become governor of the oil-rich state.
Gen. Tet said no injuries or property damage had been reported and that the situation had returned to normal, with residents resuming their daily activities.
The police commissioner urged aspirants and their supporters to reject violence as the country prepares for elections, stressing the importance of peaceful political participation and stability in Unity State.
“Nobody should resort to violence. Definitely, all that we want is a government of Unity State,” he stated. “We want peace; We want our people to live in peace and harmony.”
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