Kuresoi North MP Alfred Mutai is being sought by police over his alleged role in violent clashes between his supporters and those of Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika which left at least five people hospitalised with gunshot wounds.
Mr Mutai, a first-term UDA MP and former Member of the County Assembly who was elected to Parliament in 2022 after defeating former Deputy Speaker Moses Cheboi, has denied involvement in the violence. He said he was a victim of political targeting and circumstance.
Police arrested at least 56 youths suspected of taking part in the clashes at Umoja Secondary School grounds in Tulwet on Friday, where Governor Kihika was hosting an empowerment event in Nyota Ward, Kuresoi North Constituency.
However, 44 of those arrested were released for lack of evidence, while 12 remain in custody and are expected to be arraigned in court on Monday.
Three victims are admitted at Molo Sub-county Hospital while two others were transferred to Nakuru Teaching and Referral Hospital for specialised treatment. According to the latest police report, they are in stable condition.
At least three vehicles belonging to the MP and his supporters were extensively damaged while a bus ferrying Governor Kihika’s supporters was torched a short distance from the venue.
The National Police Service (NPS) confirmed that the MP is being sought in connection with the incident, which was attended by several leaders including Governor Kihika, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, UDA chairperson and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire and Bahati MP Irene Njoki.
“The service is pursuing the prime suspect, Hon Alfred Mutai, who is currently on the run. Police have launched a manhunt to apprehend him and other persons connected to the incident,” police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said.
He urged the MP to surrender at the nearest police station to assist investigators in establishing the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The development came hours after Governor Kihika publicly stated at the event that she had spoken to the Inspector General of Police and “directed” him to arrest the MP over the incident.
“I have called the Inspector General of Police and asked him to take immediate action to arrest the MP for shooting three people. Let him be stopped from his violent behaviour that puts residents’ lives at risk,” she said.
Mutai and his supporters were reportedly blocked from accessing the venue after which chaos broke out, gunshots were fired, and injuries and destruction of property followed.
The MP, however, distanced himself from the violence, saying he had been prevented from accessing the venue alongside his supporters. He claimed rival groups clashed in his absence.
“There is clear footage showing how the chaos began, with rival groups exchanging blows. That evidence should guide investigations,” he said.
Mp Mutai accused Governor Kihika of ferrying outsiders to disrupt the meeting and urged investigative agencies to act impartially, saying the matter should not be used to settle political scores.
“We all want to know what really happened and who was behind the chaos, even as police appeared to be bystanders while property was destroyed and people were injured,” he said.
He further urged Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to ensure investigations are fair, adding that tensions had been building ahead of the empowerment event and that he had raised concerns about possible violence earlier in the week.
Kuresoi North is a cosmopolitan area inhabited by members of the Kipsigis, Kisii and Kikuyu communities, and has previously experienced sporadic election-related violence.
“As a party, we will not tolerate hooliganism, division or incitement to violence. We must unite the people and rally them behind President William Ruto,” she said.
Avoid inflammatory politics
Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi said leaders aligned to UDA would not allow chaos to prevail in Nakuru or elsewhere.
“We are rallying behind President Ruto and Governor Kihika in 2027, and we will not allow disorder. Mutai should know he will be voted out in the next election,” he said.
Former Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto also condemned the violence, urging leaders to avoid inflammatory politics, especially in multi-ethnic regions.
“In cosmopolitan areas, leaders must avoid inciting supporters. Violence can easily escalate, especially as we approach elections,” he said.
The National Police Service reiterated that a nationwide crackdown on political hooliganism would continue until order is restored.
“No person, regardless of social status, political affiliation or public office, is above the law. Those found culpable of engaging in or sponsoring criminal gangs, inciting supporters or disrupting lawful gatherings will be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law,” NPS said in a statement.
