MP in gun drama missing as questions emerge over who mobilized youths in Kuresoi

Kuresoi North MP Alfred Mutai is yet to be arrested several hours after a shoot out that left three nursing gun shot wounds.

On Saturday, questions emerged over who mobilized youths involved in the violent clashes that erupted during a youth empowerment rally in Kuresoi North, Nakuru County.

At least three people sustained gunshot injuries during the Friday morning incident. Some 56 suspects have since been arrested.

As investigations continue, police have launched a manhunt for the area MP Alfred Mutai following the clashes between his supporters and those allied to Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika.

According to a police report, at around 9:30 a.m., the MP, accompanied by about 200 supporters, attempted to enter the empowerment venue at Umoja Senior School.

Police claim he was blocked by youths allied to former MP Moses Cheboi and Governor Kihika.

The confrontation quickly escalated, with police alleging that Mutai drew his pistol and fired into the crowd in an attempt to protect himself.

“Three civilians were injured in the process, with one shot in the arm, another in the shoulder and a third in the leg,” the police said.

Police further claim that after being driven from the venue, supporters of the MP torched a minibus, which had transported tents and equipment to the event.

Several other vehicles were vandalized, including Mutai’s, during the melee.

In a statement signed by police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, the National Police Service (NPS) confirmed the incident.

While preliminary investigations had not established who was responsible for the violence, police confirmed that they had launched a manhunt for the MP.

“The 56 were arrested at Mutai’s residence.  We also recovered two spent cartridges, one bullet head, a live ammunition, several stones, four batons, a machete and a Maasai sword,” read the police report.

However, authorities did not indicate whether Governor Kihika or her allies would also be investigated, despite reports that their supporters were involved in the confrontation.

Videos circulating online show youths believed to be allied to the governor armed with stones and batons running towards a vehicle believed to be carrying Mutai while hurling stones and shouting.

The footage also shows vehicles being vandalized, with police later confirming that one of the damaged vehicles belonged to the MP.

Witnesses who requested anonymity claimed that Mutai drew his firearm and opened fire, after coming under attack, resulting in the shooting of three people.

However, speaking after the incident, Mutai denied shooting anyone.

He accused police officers at the scene of standing by and doing nothing as armed youths attacked him and his supporters after they were allegedly barred from attending the function.

"The armed youths who were not from my area started throwing stones at us, shouting that they did not want us there. I attempted to save myself in any way possible," said Mutai.

He added that his vehicle was vandalized and valuables stolen, including money he intended to donate during the event.

"Other leaders have called and abused me for something I did not do. I only saw all the accusations in the media. I have freedom to go anywhere in my sub-county," he said.

Mutai blamed Governor Kihika for the chaos, linking her to the youths who allegedly initiated the violence while insisting that residents of Kuresoi North had been living peacefully.

"The governor ferried so many youths for empowerment. They are not from Kuresoi North. What is her agenda?" he posed.

The MP further claimed that security agencies ignored earlier warnings he had made regarding the presence of youths allegedly armed with knives, batons and other crude weapons days before the event.

"If each party involved in the function did its work, there would be no chaos. The police did nothing. Someone should tell us what is happening," he lamented.

He called on security agencies to conduct thorough and impartial investigations to establish the root cause of the violence rather than relying on allegations that had made him a scapegoat.

"The security team should come on board and do balanced investigations. Do not take the matter on the face of it," he maintained.

Mohammed Ali, a member of the event's protocol team, claimed that the MP shot him in the leg during the chaos.

Ali confirmed that he was among those who had barred the MP from entering the function, saying Mutai had allegedly refused to follow the required procedures.

"We barred him because he had refused to follow the required procedure and wanted to use force," said Ali.

Kericho Governor Erick Mutai condemned the violence and called for peace.

"We will not allow politicians to organize young men to kill each other and fight for them. Anybody mobilizing goons or preaching tribalism must be dealt with in accordance with the law," he said.

dchege@standardmedia.co.ke