Police have confirmed that one person was killed and 14 suspects arrested following separate incidents of political violence in Kisumu City and Nyahururu town on Sunday, with investigations ongoing to identify and apprehend more people linked to the unrest.
According to the National Police Service (NPS), the incidents involved clashes between rival groups in Kisumu and the disruption of a political rally in Nyahururu. Several people were injured, and property was damaged. Police said the violence undermined public order and warned that those responsible would face legal action.
Preliminary investigations indicate that a violent confrontation between two opposing groups broke out in Kisumu City, resulting in the death of one person. Several others were injured, while nine motorcycles were torched and a police vehicle was damaged.
Police officers responding to the incident arrested eight suspects, who remain in custody pending their arraignment in court. Detectives are also pursuing other individuals believed to have participated in the violence.
Linda Mwananchi leaders Edwin Sifuna and James Orengo attend Sunday service at St. Stephens Cathedral, Kisumu. (Photo: X/Linda Mwananchi)
In Nyahururu town, police said a group of individuals attempted to disrupt a political rally by throwing stones at attendees, leaving several members of the public with minor injuries.
Among those injured was Joseph Gitau, who sustained a chest injury during the disturbance. Police said he was treated and later discharged from the hospital.
The National Police Service also dismissed claims that a shooting occurred during the Nyahururu incident, saying investigations established that no shots were fired despite allegations circulating after the rally.
Officers arrested six suspects in connection with the disturbance. They remain in custody and are expected to be arraigned in court as investigations continue.
The arrests in Kisumu and Nyahururu bring the total number of suspects in custody to 14, with police vowing to hold everyone involved in the violence accountable.
In a statement, the National Police Service condemned the incidents, saying political differences should never result in violence or the disruption of lawful activities.
"The Service strongly condemns these acts of political intolerance, violence and goonism. Such incidents undermine public order, threaten national cohesion and violate citizens' constitutional rights to peacefully associate, assemble and participate in political activities," the National Police Service said.
The service warned that no individual would receive special treatment based on political affiliation, public office or social status, adding that anyone involved in violence, sponsoring criminal gangs, inciting supporters or disrupting lawful political gatherings would face legal action.
Police said investigations into both incidents would be conducted impartially and based on evidence to ensure that everyone responsible is identified and prosecuted.
Authorities also appealed to members of the public to assist investigators by providing information that could help identify additional suspects.
The National Police Service said it remains committed to protecting the constitutional rights of all Kenyans to assemble, associate and participate peacefully in political activities while maintaining law and order across the country. It added that investigations into the violence in Kisumu and Nyahururu are ongoing and that more arrests could follow as detectives continue gathering evidence.
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