The National Police Service (NPS) has dismissed claims that a man was shot during violent scenes that disrupted political activities in Nyahururu on Sunday, saying investigations established that no shooting occurred despite earlier allegations.
In a statement issued on Sunday evening, police said violence erupted in both Kisumu City and Nyahururu Town, condemning what they described as acts of political intolerance, violence and goonism that threaten public order and national cohesion.
According to the police, a violent confrontation between rival groups in Kisumu left one person dead, several others injured, nine motorcycles torched and a police vehicle damaged.
Officers responding to the incident arrested eight suspects, who remain in custody awaiting arraignment, while a manhunt for other individuals linked to the violence is ongoing.
In Nyahururu, police said a group of individuals attempted to disrupt a political rally by pelting stones at attendees, leaving several people with minor injuries.
The statement specifically addressed claims that one of the victims, Joseph Gitau, had been shot in the chest. Police maintained that Gitau sustained a chest injury during the chaos, received treatment and was discharged, adding that investigations found no evidence of a shooting.
“Contrary to some allegations, there was no shooting incident,” the National Police Service said, adding that officers acted swiftly to restore order and arrested six suspects, who are also awaiting arraignment.
The police warned that individuals involved in organising, financing or participating in political violence would face the full force of the law, regardless of their political affiliation or social status.
The service also appealed to members of the public with information that could assist investigations to report to the nearest police station or use the toll-free emergency lines and anonymous reporting channels.
The latest incidents come amid rising political tensions in parts of the country as rival camps intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 General Election, with authorities warning that violence and intimidation will not be tolerated.
