The National Police Service (NPS) has launched a manhunt for Kuresoi North MP Alfred Mutai following a violent confrontation at a political event in Nakuru County that left several people nursing gunshot wounds.
In a strongly worded statement on Friday, police condemned what they described as rising cases of political intolerance, violence and goonism, warning that individuals found sponsoring criminal gangs or disrupting lawful gatherings would face the full force of the law.
According to the NPS, the violence erupted during a Youth Empowerment Meeting held at Sirikwa Umoja Grounds in Kuresoi Sub-County and attended by several political leaders, including Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi and Bahati MP Irene Njoki.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that a confrontation erupted between groups of suspected goons allied to Kuresoi North Member of Parliament Hon. Alfred Mutai and supporters of Governor H.E. Susan Kihika,” the police said.
The Service said several individuals sustained gunshot injuries during the confrontation and were rushed to nearby health facilities for treatment.
Police further reported that a bus used to transport tents and chairs to the venue was torched during the chaos.
“Additionally, a bus registration number KDQ 155G, which had ferried tents and chairs to the venue, was set ablaze by unknown persons during the disturbance,” the statement said.
The NPS revealed that MP Mutai is being sought in connection with the incident and urged him to surrender to authorities.
“The Service is pursuing the prime suspect, Hon. Alfred Mutai, who is currently on the run. Police officers have launched a manhunt to apprehend him and other persons connected to the incident,” the statement read.
“We urge Hon. Mutai to present himself at the nearest police station to assist investigators in establishing the circumstances surrounding the shooting.”
The latest incident comes amid growing concerns over politically motivated violence in the country. Police warned that no individual would be shielded from accountability.
“The National Police Service reiterates: no person, regardless of social status, political affiliation, or public office, is above the law,” the statement added.
Separately, police disclosed that they are investigating another violent incident that occurred on June 18 at Chemilil Academy in Muhoroni Sub-County, where armed individuals allegedly stormed the premises and assaulted several people.
Three suspects — Bernard Ouma, Thomas Onyango and Walter Owa — have since been arrested and are assisting investigators, while efforts to apprehend additional suspects are ongoing.
The NPS called on political leaders and their supporters to embrace peaceful competition and respect for the rule of law, warning against the use of violence and criminal gangs in political activities.
