Deputy President Prof.Kithure Kindiki…Photo/IP
NYAHURURU, Kenya
Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki strongly condemned an outbreak of political violence that disrupted an opposition rally on Sunday in the central Kenyan town of Nyahururu.
The violence erupted when suspected hired gangs armed with clubs and stones invaded a public meeting organized by the Linda Mwananchi movement.
The group was hosting a political rally following a morning church service at the AIPCA Nyahururu Cathedral.
“Violence is a NO,” Kindiki stated on social media following the unrest, urging political tolerance as tensions rise across the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The targeted convoy included several prominent opposition leaders, including Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, and the movement’s spokesperson, Caroli Omondi, all of whom were forced to flee the venue to ensure their safety.
The attack left multiple people injured and several vehicles heavily damaged, with windows smashed by stones.
Governor Kang’ata claimed that his personal driver, Joseph Gitau, was shot in the chest during the altercation and rushed to a local hospital for emergency care.
However, the National Police Service disputed the governor’s account of a shooting.
In an official statement, police authorities maintained that preliminary investigations showed no firearms were discharged during the incident.
They stated the injuries and property damage were caused exclusively by individuals throwing rocks to disrupt the opposition gathering.
Opposition representatives have strongly accused the state’s internal security apparatus of negligence.
Bumula Member of Parliament Jack Wamboka alleged that criminal groups were deployed and escorted by security officers to intentionally intimidate and sabotage political rivals.
The incident in Nyahururu follows similar violent disruptions targeting Linda Mwananchi political events in Kisii and Kisumu over the past weeks.
Despite the escalation, the movement’s leadership has vowed to continue its national tours.
Ends.
