Detectives in Mutomo have launched investigations after a government-branded vehicle belonging to the Kitui South Constituency Development Fund (CDF) was mysteriously set ablaze on Monday evening in what authorities are now treating as a suspected arson attack.
Confirming the incident, Mutomo OCPD Patrick Kafulo told Channel 15 News that at around 2AM, local residents reported that a CDF vehicle with registration number GKC 795A which had been parked in Mutomo town, was engulfed in flames. The driver, according to police, was notably absent at the time of the fire and only appeared at the scene more than an hour later.
“The vehicle’s engine was off, and there was no mechanical activity at the time the fire broke out. This rules out an accident caused by engine failure,” said OCPD Kafulo, adding that officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Mutomo have taken up the matter.
Preliminary investigations suggest foul play, with the OCPD asserting that the nature of the fire and the driver’s delayed presence point to a deliberate attempt to damage public property.
In a twist, a local resident who spoke to Channel 15 News on condition of anonymity described the incident as a possible setup.
“There’s no political pressure in Kitui South at the moment. What happened was not incited by locals,” the source said. “This smells like petty politics being driven by an individual looking to stir unnecessary tension.”
While calling for calm, OCPD Kafulo assured the public that detectives are pursuing all leads and that the culprits behind the destruction of the government vehicle will be brought to justice.
This incident comes weeks after the country marked the controversial 25th June Memorial, during which several counties witnessed chaos and the torching of public property amid anti-government demonstrations. However, Kitui remained peaceful throughout the nationwide protests.
Speaking at a dinner reception hosted by the Kitui County Assembly shortly after Governor Julius Malombe’s State of the County Address, Kitui County Commissioner Kipchumba Rutto commended residents for upholding law and order.
“While many counties experienced unrest and vandalism, I thank the people of Kitui for maintaining peace and dignity during that volatile period,” said Rutto.
As investigations continue into the Mutomo incident, the county security team has urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity linked to the destruction of public assets.
