By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, June 19, 2026 - The Kenyan police are pursuing Kuresoi North MP Alfred Mutai following a violent confrontation at a political meeting in Nakuru County that left several people nursing gunshot wounds and heightened concerns over rising political intolerance ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The National Police Service on Friday said the legislator is the prime suspect in investigations into chaos that erupted during a Youth Empowerment Meeting at Sirikwa Umoja Grounds in Kuresoi Sub-County attended by senior political leaders, including Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi and Bahati MP Irene Njoki.
According to National Police Service Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, preliminary investigations indicate that a confrontation broke out between groups of suspected goons allied to the MP and supporters of Governor Kihika, triggering violence that left several people injured by gunfire.
"The Service is pursuing the prime suspect, Hon. Alfred Mutai, who is currently on the run. Police officers have launched a manhunt to apprehend him and other persons connected to the incident," Nyaga said in a statement.
The police urged the legislator to surrender to the nearest police station to assist investigators in establishing the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The incident has sent shockwaves through political circles, exposing simmering rivalries within local political networks and raising fears that political violence could escalate as campaigns and alignments ahead of the next General Election gather momentum.
In addition to the shooting, a bus that had ferried tents and chairs to the venue was set ablaze by unknown individuals during the unrest, underscoring the extent of the violence witnessed at the gathering.
The Nakuru incident occurred barely 24 hours after another politically-linked attack in Chemilil Town, Kisumu County, where armed individuals stormed Chemilil Academy and assaulted several people during a gathering.
Police said three suspects — Bernard Ouma, Thomas Onyango and Walter Owa — have since been arrested in connection with the Chemilil attack and are assisting detectives with investigations, while efforts to arrest additional suspects continue.
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Nyaga condemned what he termed growing incidents of political intolerance, violence and goonism across the country, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to national cohesion, public order and democratic freedoms.
The police spokesperson stressed that no individual would be shielded from prosecution on account of political influence or public office.
"No person, regardless of social status, political affiliation or public office, is above the law," Nyaga said.
He warned that individuals found sponsoring criminal gangs, inciting supporters, engaging in violence or disrupting lawful political activities would face firm legal action.
The latest incidents are likely to intensify debate over political accountability and security preparedness as leaders begin positioning themselves for the fiercely contested 2027 elections.
Police have called on political leaders and their supporters to embrace tolerance, restraint and respect for the rule of law, warning that those who resort to violence will be held personally accountable for their actions.