Lawyer and Safina deputy party leader Willis Otieno has criticised the National Police Service (NPS) over its response to the violence witnessed in Kisumu and Nyahururu, saying Kenyans are tired of official statements and selective enforcement while those allegedly orchestrating political violence remain untouched.

Responding to the police statement in an X post on Monday, July 13, 2026, Otieno urged law enforcement agencies to focus on fulfilling their constitutional mandate instead of issuing repeated public statements.

“Save the press statements. Kenyans are exhausted by polished words and selective enforcement. Your constitutional duty is to prevent crime, arrest perpetrators, dismantle criminal networks, and prosecute everyone involved, especially those who finance, organise, or incite political violence,” Otieno said.

The lawyer argued that public confidence in law enforcement would only be restored if authorities pursued those responsible for planning and funding political violence rather than limiting arrests to individuals directly involved in the clashes.

Otieno: Go after the architects

The lawyer maintained that the people arrested during political unrest are often not the masterminds behind the violence.

“The public already knows that goons don’t organise themselves. They are recruited, funded, transported, and protected. If the police are serious about ending political violence, then go after the architects, not just the expendable foot soldiers,” he stated.

He said dismantling criminal networks requires investigators to identify and prosecute those who allegedly finance, organise, and incite politically motivated attacks.

Calls for equal enforcement of the law

Otieno further accused law enforcement of applying the law selectively, arguing that justice should be administered without fear or favour.

“Justice that fears power is not justice. Law enforcement that acts selectively is not law enforcement. If you truly want Kenyans to believe you, let your actions speak louder than your statements,” he said.

His remarks add to growing calls for security agencies to ensure accountability not only for perpetrators of political violence but also for those suspected of sponsoring or facilitating such acts.

Police statement on political violence

In a statement issued on Sunday, July 12, 2026, the National Police Service condemned the violence witnessed in Kisumu City and Nyahururu Town, describing the incidents as acts of political intolerance, violence and goonism that undermine public order and national cohesion.

According to preliminary investigations, the police noted that a confrontation between two opposing groups in Kisumu left one person dead, several others injured, nine motorcycles torched, and a police vehicle damaged. Police said eight persons of interest were arrested and that efforts to identify and apprehend additional individuals involved are ongoing.

In Nyahururu, police noted that a group of individuals disrupted a political rally by throwing stones, causing minor injuries to several members of the public, including Joseph Gitau, who sustained a chest injury and was treated and discharged. The service dismissed claims that there had been a shooting during the incident and announced the arrest of six persons of interest.

The National Police Service reiterated that no one is above the law and warned that anyone found engaging in violence, sponsoring criminal gangs, inciting supporters or disrupting lawful political gatherings would face legal action.