Police Dispute Kang’ata Claim That Driver Was Shot In Nyahururu

By Staff Writer

Police have refuted claims that a person was shot during the Linda Mwananchi rally in Nyahururu, saying an injured man identified as Joseph Gitau sustained a chest injury during stone-throwing and was treated and discharged.

The police account contradicted Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata, who earlier said his driver, whom he identified as Gitari, had been shot during the rally. Kang’ata later told journalists that a bullet was lodged in the driver’s chest and that doctors had not established whether it was a live round or rubber bullet.

Police did not explain the difference between the name given by Kang’ata and Joseph Gitau, who was identified in the statement. They also did not disclose the medical findings supporting their conclusion that no shooting occurred.

“Contrary to some allegations, there was no shooting incident. Police responded promptly and arrested six suspects, who have been placed in custody pending arraignment,” the National Police Service spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said in a statement.

Police said six suspects were arrested during the intervention and were being held pending arraignment. The statement did not name the suspects or disclose the charges they were likely to face.

The Linda Mwananchi delegation had attended a service at AIPCA Nyahururu Cathedral before a planned procession and public address in the town. The team included Kang’ata, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi and Suba South MP Caroli Omondi.

Kang’ata alleged that the group was pelted with stones while inside the church and that his vehicle was blocked and later seized by attackers. Linda Mwananchi leaders also reported that Omondi’s vehicle was damaged during the unrest.

The police have also confirmed a separate fatal confrontation in Kisumu, where rival groups clashed during political activities linked to the Linda Mwananchi movement. Preliminary investigations showed that one person was killed, several others were injured, nine motorcycles were torched and a police vehicle was damaged during the violence.

The violence began after a group of youths, some reportedly armed with machetes, clubs, bows and arrows, attempted to enter St Stephen’s ACK Cathedral, where Siaya Governor James Orengo and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna were attending a church service.

Police officers intervened as tensions rose outside the cathedral. Media reports indicated that tear gas was used before clashes broke out and motorcycles said to have transported some of the suspected attackers were set ablaze.

Eight suspects were arrested and placed in custody pending arraignment, bringing the number detained over the Kisumu and Nyahururu incidents to 14. Police said efforts were under way to identify and arrest other people involved.

“The National Police Service reiterates that no person, regardless of social status, political affiliation or public office, is above the law. Anyone found engaging in violence, sponsoring criminal gangs, inciting supporters or disrupting lawful gatherings will be dealt with firmly and in accordance with the law,” Nyaga said.

He said the incidents undermined public order, threatened national cohesion and violated citizens’ constitutional rights to associate, assemble and participate peacefully in political activities.

The incidents followed an attack on a Linda Mwananchi convoy at Keumbu on the Kisii-Keroka road on July 3. Police investigations led to the detention of seven suspects, while 36-year-old Vincent Osiemo, popularly known as Mapinduzi, later died from injuries reportedly sustained during the attack.

Police said Osiemo’s death would form part of the investigation. Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda was also summoned to record a statement as detectives sought to establish who organized and participated in the attack.