One Killed, Several Injured as Rival Groups Clash in Kisumu – Police Arrest Eight Suspects
One person was killed and several others injured following violent clashes between rival groups in Kisumu City on Sunday, the National Police Service (NPS) has confirmed.
In a statement, NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said the violence also led to nine motorcycles being torched and damage to a police vehicle. Eight suspects have been arrested and are in custody pending arraignment in court.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that, in Kisumu City, a violent confrontation between two opposing groups resulted in the death of one person, several injuries, the torching of nine motorcycles and damage to a police vehicle,” Nyaga said.
He added that police responded swiftly to restore order, and efforts to identify and apprehend other individuals involved are ongoing.
Political Intolerance Condemned
The NPS strongly condemned the violence, describing it as acts of “political intolerance, violence and goonism.”
“Such incidents undermine public order, threaten national cohesion and violate citizens’ constitutional rights to peacefully associate, assemble and participate in political activities,” the statement read.
The chaos erupted around ACK St Stephen’s Cathedral in Kisumu during a church service attended by Siaya Governor James Orengo and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna. Rival groups engaged in running battles outside the church, forcing police to intervene.
The police warned that no one is above the law, irrespective of political affiliation, social status or public office.
“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,” the service said.
NPS appealed to the public to share any information that could assist investigations through the nearest police station, toll-free numbers, or its anonymous WhatsApp platform. The service pledged to conduct thorough, impartial, and evidence-led investigations to bring all perpetrators to justice.
Separate Incident in Nyahururu
In a related development, police arrested six suspects in Nyahururu after a group allegedly disrupted a political rally by throwing stones, injuring several people.
Police dismissed social media reports claiming a person was shot during the Nyahururu incident, stating that no shooting occurred.
The developments come amid heightened political tensions in parts of the country, with authorities vowing to maintain law and order during public gatherings.
