The National Police Service (NPS) has launched a manhunt for Kuresoi North Member of Parliament (MP) Alfred Mutai following a violent confrontation at a political event in Nakuru County that left several people nursing gunshot wounds.
In a statement issued on Friday, June 19 and obtained by Vantage Ke, the police named Mutai as the prime suspect in the violence that erupted during a Youth Empowerment Meeting at Sirikwa Umoja Grounds in Kuresoi Sub-County and urged him to surrender to authorities.
"The Service is pursuing the prime suspect, Hon. Alfred Mutai, who is currently on the run," the NPS stated. "Police officers have launched a manhunt to apprehend him and other persons connected to the incident."
According to police, preliminary investigations indicate that a confrontation broke out between groups of suspected goons allied to Mutai and supporters of Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika during the event.
The meeting had attracted several high-profile leaders, including Governor Kihika, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, and Bahati MP Irene Njoki.
As tensions escalated, gunfire erupted, leaving several people injured. The victims were rushed to nearby medical facilities for treatment.
The violence also resulted in the destruction of property, with a bus which had ferried tents and chairs to the venue, being set on fire by unknown individuals during the chaos.
The police statement comes amid growing concerns over rising incidents of political violence and intolerance across the country as political temperatures continue to rise.
While announcing the pursuit of Mutai, the NPS issued a stern warning that political leaders would not receive special treatment if found culpable.
"The National Police Service reiterates: no person, regardless of social status, political affiliation, or public office, is above the law," the statement read.
"Individuals found engaging in acts of violence, sponsoring criminal gangs, inciting supporters, or disrupting lawful gatherings will be dealt with firmly and in accordance with the law."
The latest incident is one of two politically linked attacks currently under investigation by the police.
The NPS also revealed that detectives are probing an earlier attack at Chemilil Academy in Muhoroni Sub-County on June 18, where armed individuals allegedly stormed the institution and assaulted several people.
Police confirmed the arrest of three suspects identified as Bernard Ouma, Thomas Onyango, and Walter Owa in connection with the Chemilil incident. The suspects are expected to be arraigned in court once investigations are completed.
Authorities said efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend additional suspects linked to both incidents.
As investigations continue, police have called on political leaders and their supporters to exercise restraint and respect the rule of law.
The NPS further warned members of the public against engaging in political violence, insisting that democratic competition must be conducted within the confines of the law and without intimidation.
"We call upon political leaders, their supporters, and all stakeholders to uphold peace, restraint, and respect for the rule of law," the Service stated.
The pursuit of a sitting MP over alleged links to political violence marks one of the most significant law enforcement actions in recent months and is likely to intensify scrutiny on political conduct ahead of future electoral contests.
Mutai, however, rejected the claims, saying he only learnt of reports linking him to the unrest through social media and maintained that he had no role in the violence.
“I did not witness all that is in the media. Up to now, I do not know what happened,” he stated.
Meanwhile the move came just hours after President William Ruto, while addressing mourners at a burial ceremony in Nandi County on Friday, instructed Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen and security agencies to crack down on the growing cases of political violence and the use of hired goons.
