Deputy President Kithure Kindiki emphasizes that anyone involved in political violence—whether politicians, financiers, or supporters—will face prosecution, regardless of their political affiliations.
Following the government’s announcement of 20 arrests related to the violent disruptions of Linda Mwananchi’s political events in Kisumu and Nyahururu on Sunday, July 12, 2026, Kindiki stated, “The arrest of these suspects marks a significant step forward. We will hold everyone accountable.”
He firmly declared, “Those who aid and abet violence will be punished, irrespective of their political loyalties.” Kindiki’s statements indicate a shift in government focus, now targeting not only those directly involved in violence but also those who finance or organize such attacks.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed the arrests and directed the Inspector General of Police to enhance intelligence-led operations aimed at uncovering the criminal networks, financiers, and political actors behind these violent incidents.
On the previous day, Kindiki had described political violence as a serious threat to Kenya’s future, urging citizens to expose those who sponsor it. “The destructive culture of political violence endangers our nation’s future,” he asserted. “Reject and reveal the sponsors and enablers of violence, regardless of their political slogans.”
His remarks coincided with escalating political tensions ahead of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election scheduled for Thursday, July 16, 2026.
Incidents of violence erupted in Kisumu outside St. Stephen’s ACK Cathedral, where notable Linda Mwananchi leaders were attending a church service. Police reported a confrontation between rival groups, resulting in one fatality and several injuries, along with the destruction of nine motorcycles and damage to a police vehicle.
Initially, the National Police Service had announced the arrest of eight suspects linked to the violence in Kisumu. In Nyahururu, a gathering attended by Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata and other political figures was disrupted when stones were thrown at the event, leading to injuries and damage to vehicles in the convoy. Police confirmed that Joseph Gitau, Kang’ata’s driver, suffered a chest injury but clarified that no firearm was discharged during the incident.
Six suspects were arrested following the Nyahururu violence, which unfolded amidst intensifying campaigns in neighboring Nyandarua County, where the United Democratic Alliance and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party vie for control of the Ol Kalou parliamentary seat.
Former Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria also weighed in, asserting that the Nyahururu attack was not orchestrated by the opposition. “I can assure you that the violence against Linda Mwananchi in Nyahururu was NOT planned by the opposition. The TRUTH shall set us FREE,” Kuria stated on X, though he did not specify who he believed was behind the attack.
Kuria’s comments increased pressure on security agencies to extend their investigations beyond those directly involved in the confrontations to identify the organizers, financiers, and directors of the violence. As of this publication, neither the National Police Service nor the Directorate of Criminal Investigations had publicly identified or arrested any individuals accused of sponsoring the Kisumu and Nyahururu attacks. However, security agencies confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that they are pursuing additional suspects, including those who organize and finance the violence.
