Police in Likoni Sub-County have launched investigations into an incident in which bodyguards of a political figure allegedly fired at least two shots into the air following a public function, triggering panic and renewed concern over rising political tensions in the area.
Likoni Sub-County Police Commander Joseph Kyalo said detectives are probing the circumstances surrounding the incident, which is reported to have occurred shortly after a public event where rival political groups came into contact, leading to a confrontation that escalated into chaos.
Police said preliminary accounts indicate that the confrontation began after the end of the function when supporters of rival political camps exchanged words, before the situation degenerated into disorder.
It is during the ensuing confusion that gunshots were allegedly fired into the air, causing panic among members of the public who fled the scene.
Witnesses described scenes of fear and confusion, with attendees dispersing in different directions after hearing the gunfire.
Authorities, however, said no casualties have been confirmed, and investigations are ongoing to establish the exact sequence of events
In additional concerns raised by community voices and peace stakeholders, the incident has been linked to a broader pattern of political tensions in Likoni, where recent community gatherings, including a prize-giving event at Mwangala Primary School and a wedding ceremony in Bofu Ward, have reportedly been disrupted by confrontations between rival groups.
A peacebuilding-based organisation, Manyatta Africa, in a statement, stated the situation warned that repeated incidents of this nature risk normalising violence in spaces meant for education, worship and social unity.
“Schools should remain places where children learn and thrive, not arenas of fear and political rivalry,” the statement noted.
It further added that “no political ambition is worth the safety and dignity of communities,” calling for restraint among political actors and their supporters.
The statement also urged security agencies to ensure accountability and transparency in ongoing investigations, saying that “the truth must be established through lawful and impartial processes, and those responsible must be held to account without fear or favour.”
Nominated Senator Miraj Abdillahi, who has declared interest in the Likoni parliamentary seat, expressed regret over the incident and distanced herself from any form of violence.
She urged her supporters to remain calm and called for peaceful political engagement.
“Let us talk about our policies and what we have done and what we will do for our people and not anything else that will lead to violence,” she said.
She also appealed to security agencies to remain alert, warning that politics should not lead to loss of life, intimidation or fear among residents.
Security has since heightened in the area as detectives continue to gather statements and review accounts from witnesses and political actors linked to the incident.
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