Police: 3 arrested following chaos at Linda Mwananchi’s rally in Keumbu
By Aloys Michael, July 4, 2026Three persons of interest have been arrested following violent attacks on a convoy of motor vehicles during the Linda Mwananchi political rally in Keumbu, Kisii County, as police intensified investigations into the incident captured in a widely circulated video.
In a statement on Saturday, July 4, 2026, the National Police Service (NPS) confirmed that the attack occurred along the Kisii–Keroka Road on Friday, July 3, 2026, targeting a political group that was present in the area.
“The National Police Service (NPS) wishes to update the public on the ongoing investigation into a video circulating in mainstream and social media, which depicts an attack on a convoy of motor vehicles,” the statement said.
Police said preliminary investigations had established the location and circumstances surrounding the attack, paving the way for swift action by security agencies.
“Further analysis has established that the incident occurred along the Kisii–Keroka road on Friday, 3rd July 2026, and targeted a political group present in the area,” the statement added.
According to the NPS, officers drawn from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Kisii Central and Keumbu Police Station moved quickly after the incident and arrested three.
“In response, officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Kisii, Kisii Central, and Keumbu Police Station moved swiftly and arrested three suspects, who are currently in custody,” the police said.
Authorities indicated that investigations are far from over, revealing that detectives are carrying out a more detailed analysis of the video alongside broader investigations aimed at identifying and apprehending additional suspects.
“A more detailed analysis of the video, alongside wider investigative efforts, is underway with a view to making further arrests,” the statement said.
The National Police Service strongly condemned the violence, describing political intolerance as unacceptable regardless of political affiliation.
“The NPS strongly condemns the events depicted. Political intolerance, in whatever form, is unacceptable and will be rigorously pursued through the criminal justice system,” the statement read.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has also directed the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) to fast-track its assessment of all aspects of the violence.
Injuries
Supporters of ODM’s Linda Mwananchi faction sustained injuries following an attack by goons on the political outfit’s convoy on Friday evening as the leaders were on their way to Keroka for a political rally.
Among those caught in the middle of the fracas was United Green Movement Party presidential aspirant David Maraga, whose vehicle was among several attacked by armed goons.
Scenes witnessed at Keumbu Market along the Kisii-Keroka Road on Friday evening showed a group of armed youth pelting stones at the Linda Mwananchi convoy. Some were captured wielding clubs and targeting VIP vehicles as the political outfit travelled from Kisii for another rally in Keumbu before proceeding to Keroka.
In the clip, they can be heard warning those passing by not to set foot in the area.
Among the vehicles damaged during the confrontation was that of United Green Movement Party presidential aspirant David Maraga, who escaped by a whisker during the evening melee.
Some police officers were captured seemingly looking on. Whether this was due to an inability or unwillingness to stop the chaos remains unclear.
The incident has sparked outrage among Kenyans, especially in light of recent cases of violence and insecurity involving armed goons in various parts of the country.
Leaders allied to Linda Mwananchi have condemned the incident and are demanding the immediate arrest of the perpetrators and those who sponsored the attack.