Two police officers were injured, and two government vehicles were damaged during an incident involving politicians in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, on Friday, October 16, according to the National Police Service (NPS).
In a statement early on Friday night, the police service condemned the conduct of politicians it accused of violating the Public Order Act, saying their actions threatened public safety and undermined the rule of law.
NPS said investigations had begun to probe the circumstances surrounding the incident, adding that those found culpable would face action under the law.
“Preliminary reports indicate that the individuals concerned engaged in actions that undermined public order and the rule of law, thereby endangering the safety and security of the public. Two law enforcement officers sustained injuries, and two government vehicles were damaged,” NPS wrote.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna addresses a crowd at the burial of Senior Assistant Inspector General of Police Lazarus Simiyu Opicho in Sirende, Kiminini, Trans Nzoia County, October 16, 2026.
Photo
Edwin Sifuna
It added, "The National Police Service (NPS) strongly condemns the conduct of certain politicians who contravened the Public Order Act, Cap 56, in an incident that occurred today, 16th October 2026, in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County.”
The incident followed tensions at the burial of Senior Assistant Inspector General of Police Lazarus Simiyu Opicho in Sirende, Kiminini, where several political leaders were denied an opportunity to address mourners as organisers sought to adhere to the funeral programme.
The ceremony became tense after some leaders used their speeches to discuss politics, expressing support for and criticising President William Ruto, prompting security officials to interrupt proceedings before police took control of the programme.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli reminded those present that Opicho’s funeral was not the place for political exchanges.
Although he was denied an opportunity to address mourners at the burial, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna later joined Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya in addressing residents at the venue before the two leaders proceeded to hold a rally in Kitale town.
Meanwhile, President William Ruto was in Trans Nzoia on a development tour involving market, road, housing and student accommodation projects, where he faced chants of “Sifuna” from sections of the crowd during a rally.
The political tensions continued to draw attention as Sifuna’s convoy reportedly encountered the President’s convoy while leaving Kitale town, with a heavy police presence in the area.
NPS has urged political leaders and their supporters to exercise restraint, respect the law, and avoid actions that could disrupt public order.
President William Ruto engages residents of Kitale town in Saboti Constituency, Trans Nzoia County, during his development tour, October 16, 2026.
PCS