Khalwale to Ruto: Arrest MP Zaheer Jhanda or stop talking about fighting goons
By Mabonga Makhanu, July 6, 2026Former Senate Majority Whip Boni Khalwale has called for the arrest and prosecution of Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda, saying failure to take action would cast doubt on the government’s commitment to combating political violence and goonism.
In a statement posted on Monday, July 6, 2026, Khalwale addressed President William Ruto, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, urging them to ensure the legislator is arrested and charged in court.
“Dear Mr President, H.E. William Ruto, @kipmurkomen and the @IG_NPS, if this MP is not arrested and charged in court, then please don’t you ever tell us anything about your commitment to fighting goons and goonism,” Khalwale wrote.
The Kakamega senator further warned that Kenya was sliding into what he described as a dangerous political and security situation if individuals accused of involvement in political violence were not held accountable.
“You are watching as Kenya slides into a very dangerous and precarious political security precipice,” he added.
Khalwale’s remarks came a day after the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) summoned Zaheer Jhanda, as investigations into the violent attack on the Linda Mwananchi convoy at Keumbu along the Kisii-Keroka Road gather pace.
In a statement issued on Sunday, July 5, 2026, the National Police Service (NPS) summoned the MP to appear before the Kisii County DCI offices.
“Hon. Zaheer Jhanda, MP for Nyaribari Chache, has this morning been summoned to appear before the Kisii County DCI office in connection with the ongoing investigations,” NPS said.
Arrest update
Police also announced the arrest of four more persons of interest linked to the violence, raising the total number of people in custody to seven.
According to NPS, the latest arrests followed a coordinated security operation led by the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Keumbu and detectives from DCI Kisii Central.
The service said the operation forms part of a wider effort to identify and apprehend everyone involved in the attacks that disrupted traffic along the Kisii-Keroka Road on Friday, July 3, 2026.
The latest arrests come days after police confirmed the initial arrest of three suspects as investigations into the incident intensified.
Investigations widen
Police said detectives are still pursuing fresh leads to establish the full circumstances surrounding the attack and identify additional suspects.
“Investigations remain ongoing as the Service continues to pursue further leads in order to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and to identify any other individuals who may have been involved,” NPS said.
Authorities have not disclosed whether further summonses or arrests are expected, maintaining that investigations remain active.
The incident has attracted national attention after the convoy carrying Linda Mwananchi’s leaders was attacked by groups of stone-throwing youths in Keumbu.