The National Police Service (NPS) has denied claims that a man was shot during political violence in Nyahururu, maintaining that no shooting occurred despite claims made by Linda Mwananchi leaders.

In a statement issued on Sunday, July 12, 2026, the police said preliminary investigations showed that the unrest in Nyahururu involved a group of individuals who attempted to disrupt a political rally by throwing stones, leaving several people with minor injuries.

The clarification came hours after Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata claimed that his driver, Joseph Gitau, had been shot during the chaos and was receiving treatment in hospital with a bullet lodged in his chest.

However, the National Police Service disputed that account.

“Contrary to some allegations, there was no shooting incident. Police responded promptly and arrested six suspects, who have been placed in custody pending arraignment,” the statement read.

Police said Joseph Gitau sustained a chest injury during the incident but was treated and discharged from hospital.

“In Nyahururu Town, a group of individuals attempted to disrupt a political rally by throwing stones, causing minor injuries to several members of the public, including one Joseph Gitau, who sustained a chest injury and was treated and discharged,” the statement added.

Earlier in the day, Kang’ata had claimed that his convoy came under attack after attending a church service at AIPCA Nyahururu Cathedral before proceeding to a Linda Mwananchi rally.

He claimed his vehicle was blocked and that his driver was injured during the confrontation.

“My driver was injured by police. There was a shooting incident where he was shot. He’s currently in hospital. He has a bullet lodged in his chest. We are yet to ascertain whether it’s a live bullet or a rubber bullet,” Kang’ata said.

The governor also claimed that stone-throwing groups confronted the delegation and disrupted their activities.

Other Linda Mwananchi leaders, including Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi and Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi, accused security agencies of failing to protect opposition supporters during the rally.

They further alleged that police officers had allowed repeated attacks on opposition events and called for investigations into the incident.

NPS warns political actors

The National Police Service also condemned the violence witnessed in both Nyahururu and Kisumu.

“The Service strongly condemns these acts of political intolerance, violence and goonism. Such incidents undermine public order, threaten national cohesion and violate citizens’ constitutional rights to peacefully associate, assemble and participate in political activities,” the statement said.

Police also provided an update on violence reported in Kisumu City.

According to the statement, a confrontation between two opposing groups left one person dead, several others injured, nine motorcycles burnt and a police vehicle damaged.

“Following swift police intervention, eight suspects were arrested and placed in custody pending arraignment in court,” the statement said.

The service said six more had been arrested over the Nyahururu violence and would also be arraigned in court.

The NPS warned that anyone involved in political violence, regardless of their position or political affiliation, would face the law.

“The National Police Service reiterates that no person—regardless of social status, political affiliation or public office—is above the law. Anyone found engaging in violence, sponsoring criminal gangs, inciting supporters or disrupting lawful gatherings will be dealt with firmly and in accordance with the law,” the statement said.

Police urged members of the public with information that could assist investigators to report to the nearest police station or use the available anonymous reporting channels.