One Dead as Police Condemn Political Violence in Kisumu and Nyahururu

By Our Reporter Monyonge Kebati

The National Police Service (NPS) has confirmed that one person was killed, several others injured, and multiple suspects arrested following separate incidents of political violence in Kisumu City and Nyahururu Town on Saturday.

In a press statement issued by the Office of the Inspector General, police strongly condemned what they described as acts of political intolerance, violence, and hooliganism, warning that those behind the unrest will face the full force of the law.

According to the statement, the most serious incident occurred in Kisumu City, where a violent confrontation between two rival political groups turned deadly. Police said one person lost their life while several others sustained injuries during the clashes when a group of young men carry arrows, machetes and rocks attacked St. Stephen’s ACK Cathedral church in Kisumu where Governor James Orengo and Senator Edwin Sifuna had attended. Even though the youths who had attended the church with the governor chased them away hence a confrontation started.

The violence also resulted in the destruction of property, including the torching of nine motorcycles and damage to a police vehicle. Officers responding to the disturbance arrested eight suspects, who remain in custody pending arraignment in court. Police added that investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend additional individuals believed to have participated in the violence.

In Nyahururu Town, police said a group of individuals attempted to disrupt aLinda Mwananchi  political rally that was organised by Murang’a governor Irungu Kang’ata by throwing stones, causing minor injuries to several members of the public, including Joseph Gitau, who sustained a chest injury and was treated before being discharged.

The service, however, dismissed reports that there had been a shooting during the Nyahururu incident, stating that no firearm was discharged despite allegations circulating in public.

Police confirmed that six suspects were arrested in connection with the disruption and are being held pending court proceedings.

The National Police Service emphasized that no individual is above the law, regardless of political affiliation or social status. It warned that anyone found sponsoring criminal gangs, inciting violence, or disrupting lawful political gatherings would be prosecuted.

The statement comes amid heightened political activity across the country as rival political camps intensify public rallies ahead of the 2027 General Election, with recent events raising concerns over increasing political tensions and public safety.

The NPS appealed to members of the public with information that could assist investigations to report to the nearest police station or use its toll-free reporting channels, assuring confidentiality for whistleblowers.

Police reiterated their commitment to conducting thorough, impartial, and evidence-based investigations to ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice.