Police deny shooting Murang'a Governor Kang'ata's driver in Nyahururu chaos, as a separate Kisumu clash linked to Linda Mwananchi leaves one dead and 14 suspects arrested.
The National Police Service (NPS) has denied claims that Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata's driver was shot during a Linda Mwananchi rally in Nyahururu on Sunday, July 12, after the event was disrupted by violence and ended abruptly.
In a statement issued shortly after the incident, the NPS said violence broke out during the rally attended by other Linda Mwananchi officials after rival groups clashed, but insisted no shooting took place. Police said a group of individuals attempted to disrupt the rally by throwing stones, causing minor injuries to several members of the public, including Kang'ata's driver.
"In Nyahururu Town, a group of individuals attempted to disrupt a political rally by throwing stones, causing minor injuries to several members of the public, including one Joseph Gitau, who sustained a chest injury and was treated and discharged. Contrary to some allegations, there was no shooting incident," the NPS said. Six suspects were arrested and are in custody pending arraignment.
Kang'ata had earlier confirmed that his driver was shot in the chest, blaming police for disrupting the rally. He alleged armed civilians first confronted his convoy before a confrontation broke out between his driver and persons believed to be police officers.
"We were first stoned while in church. My vehicle was blocked and confiscated. My driver was injured by police. He has a bullet lodged on his chest," Kang'ata said.
The Nyahururu incident was one of two politically linked disturbances reported on Sunday, both directed at the Linda Mwananchi team. In Kisumu City, police said violent clashes between two opposing groups left one person dead, several others injured, nine motorcycles torched, and a police vehicle damaged.
The clashes broke out after a group of armed youth tried to forcefully access a church attended by Siaya Governor James Orengo and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, both affiliated with Linda Mwananchi.
Another group supporting the leaders had barricaded the church compound to repel the attackers before the confrontation turned violent. Eight suspects were arrested in connection with the Kisumu violence.
"Preliminary investigations indicate that, in Kisumu City, a violent confrontation between two opposing groups resulted in the death of one person, several injuries, the torching of nine motorcycles and damage to a police vehicle. Following swift police intervention, eight suspects were arrested and placed in custody pending arraignment in court. Efforts to identify and apprehend other individuals involved are ongoing," the NPS said.
The police service strongly condemned the incidents, describing them as acts of political intolerance, violence and goonism that undermine public order, threaten national cohesion and violate citizens' constitutional rights to peacefully associate, assemble and participate in political activities.
Police warned that anyone found sponsoring or participating in unlawful acts would face the full force of the law regardless of political affiliation or public office, and appealed to members of the public with information to come forward.