Fourteen suspects arrested in connection with the recent incidents of violence and public unrest in Kisumu and Nyahururu have been arraigned in court, the National Police Service (NPS) has confirmed.
In a statement issued on Monday, July 13, the NPS said the suspects appeared before court to face various charges related to the disturbances witnessed in the two towns.
The service maintained that investigations into the incidents are ongoing and that anyone found to have participated in criminal activities will be held accountable.
The police reiterated their firm stance against acts of violence, hooliganism, and any form of disruption to public peace, emphasizing that law enforcement agencies will continue to act decisively against individuals who engage in criminal conduct.
“The National Police Service will not tolerate violence, hooliganism, or any disruption of public peace. We remain steadfast in our duty to maintain law and order. Let it be clear: those who choose chaos will be met with the full force of the law,” the statement read.
NPS further warned that those responsible for instigating or participating in acts that threaten public safety would face the full force of the law, while reaffirming its constitutional mandate to protect lives, property, and businesses across the country.
The NPS also appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities.
The arrests follow separate incidents on Sunday in which violence disrupted a church service in Kisumu and a political rally in Nyahururu.
In Kisumu, chaos erupted outside ACK Cathedral during a church service attended by leaders associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement, including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo.
According to police, a group of individuals allegedly attempted to force their way into the church compound, prompting a confrontation with another group that escalated into violence. The clash left one person dead, several others injured, and resulted in the destruction of property, including the burning of nine motorcycles and damage to a police vehicle.
In a separate incident in Nyahururu, a Linda Mwananchi political rally led by Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata was disrupted after a group of individuals allegedly threw stones at the gathering.
The NPS dismissed claims that gunfire was reported during the disruption, saying investigations had not established evidence of a shooting. The service said several people sustained minor injuries, including Joseph Gitau, who suffered a chest injury and was treated before being discharged.
