- Two police officers were injured and two government vehicles damaged during political clashes in Kitale
- Edwin Sifuna and George Natembeya had attended Lazarus Opicho’s burial, where Sifuna was denied an opportunity to speak
- Police have launched investigations and warned that political leaders and their supporters are not above the law
The National Police Service (NPS) has launched investigations into an incident in Kitale, Trans Nzoia county, after two police officers were injured and two government vehicles damaged amid reported tensions involving the convoy of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and President William Ruto’s motorcade.
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In a press statement issued on Friday, October 16, the police condemned what they described as a contravention of the Public Order Act, warning that those found responsible would face legal action.
The police did not name the politicians involved in the statement or explain the precise circumstances that led to the injuries and damage.
“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,” the NPS stated.
The service said investigations were underway to establish what happened and determine whether any individuals should be held accountable.
Upon conclusion of the investigations, appropriate action would be taken against anyone found culpable, in accordance with the law. The police further warned that no individual would be exempt from the law because of their political position, social status or party affiliation.
Did Sifuna, Ruto clash in Trans Nzoia?
The statement came after rival political supporters reportedly clashed in Kitale following President Ruto’s development tour of Trans Nzoia, with Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi faction and supporters aligned with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) involved in the confrontation.
The incident occurred as political tensions escalated in Kitale following the burial of Senior Assistant Inspector General of Police Lazarus Simiyu Opicho, which was attended by Sifuna and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.
The ceremony became tense after political remarks prompted security officials to intervene, with Sifuna among those denied an opportunity to address mourners.
After the burial, the leaders proceeded to Kitale, where Ruto had also been conducting a development tour.
According to videos circulating online, the two convoys encountered each other as the president’s motorcade was leaving the town. Some residents chanted “one term” as the presidential convoy passed.
The situation later escalated, with police deploying teargas as Sifuna and Natembeya’s team addressed supporters in Kitale under cover of darkness. The National Police Service has urged political leaders and their supporters to maintain peace, exercise restraint and respect the law.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
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